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before inhaling. This will release the lock on the lungs and the glottis and bring the respiratory system smoothly back into operation. Inhale slowly through the right nostril, counting to 5. Retain the breath, counting to 5. Exhale through the left nostril, counting to 5. Again, hold the breath outside, counting to 5 with both nostrils closed. If necessary, exhale slightly through the right nostril before breathing in at the start of the next round. This is one round.
Practise 5 rounds. Practice note: When the ratio has been perfected with an
easy count, gradually increase it by adding 1 unit to the inhalation, internal retention, exhalation and external retention. The count should slowly be increased from 56, 6-7 and so on, until the count of 10:10:10:10 is reached. Do not increase the count until the exhalation and breath
retentions are comfortable. Stage 2: The next ratio is 1:1:2:1. It should be commenced
with a low count and extended gradually as previously
instructed. Begin with the count of 5:5:10:5. Practice note: Once this ratio has been established, the count
can be gradually increased. Add one unit to the inhalation, one unit to the internal retention, 2 units to the exhalation and one unit to the external retention. The count for one round would thus become 6:6:12:6. Over time, the count can be slowly increased. Do not increase the count until
exhalation and breath retentions are comfortable. Stage 3: The next ratio is 1:2:2:1. Begin with the count of
5:10:10:5. Increase the count when the exhalation and breath
retentions are comfortable. Stage 4: The next ratio is 1:2:2:2. Begin with the count of
5:10:10:10.
Build up the count gradually without strain. Stage 5: The next ratio is 1:3:2:2.
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