Yoga for Building Heat

Creating warmth in the body increases flexibility and awakens the central nervous system; and if your inner furnace runs cold or your body’s constitution tips to the Vata side of Aryvedic’s doshas, then gaining warmth can become a daily preoccupation. As someone who wears three layers on most winter days (not including a coat!), I have garnered some helpful warming techniques for your practice.

Breathwork

First, let’s talk about breathing fire (not the ire kind, though). Be sure to speak with your physician if you have a pre-existing condition, such as asthma or cardiovascular disease. These yogic breathing practices vary from mild to intense.

For the following breath exercises, first find a straight spine. Sit in an easy seat or on your knees with a yoga block tucked under your bottom as support.

• Alternate nostril breathing: As the name indicates, this method alternates between the inhale through one closed off nostril and an exhale through the other open nostril. Use the thumb and pinkie to alternate opening and shutting the airflow. For those with a deviated nasal septum, this may be an uncomfortable practice.
• Ocean-sounding breathing (Ujjayi): Start with slow inhalation of five counts through the nostrils to five heartbeats out the nostrils. Feel the slow nourishment of inner radiance. The…