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Exhale while relaxing the arms. Close the eyes and slowly bring the head back to the upright position. Relax the whole body for a few seconds, keeping the eyes closed. Experience the lightness and tranquility in the mind and body.
This is one round. Duration: Practise until a fainting sensation is felt. Awareness: Physical - on the breath, head movement and
eyebrow centre. Spiritual - on chidakasha or the void behind the eyebrow
centre. Sequence: After asanas and other pranayamas and before
meditation. It is also beneficial before sleep. Precautions: This technique induces the sensation of light
headedness or swooning and should only be practised
under the guidance of an expert. Contra-indications: This technique should not be practised by
those suffering from heart disease, high blood pressure, epilepsy, brain disorders or atherosclerosis of the carotid or basilar arteries. Discontinue the practice as soon as the fainting sensation is felt. The aim is to induce a state of
semi-fainting, not complete unconsciousness. Benefits: Moorchha pranayama is an excellent preparation
for meditation as it draws the mind inwards and enables a psychic state to be experienced. It cuts out the distractions of the outside world, inhibits identification with the physical body and brings about mental tranquillity. It alleviates tension, anxiety, anger, neuroses and other mental prob
lems and raises the level of prana. Practice note: The essence of moorchha pranayama is internal
breath retention; the longer it is held, the stronger the practice will be. Given the correct environment and instruction, along with intense self-purification and a carefully selected diet, it is possible to slowly develop the capacity to hold the breath for long periods of time. Without proper preparation however, prolonged kumbhaka can prove dangerous. Stopping the breath acts directly on the mind via the pranic body to induce a state of void.
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