The video you referred to is quite professional and provides valuable guidance on pranayama and breath retention techniques. However, it's important to approach these practices with caution, especially given your current struggles with anxiety and intrusive thoughts.
Pranayama and breath retention techniques are powerful practices that have the potential to significantly improve your physical and mental well-being. However, it's important to approach them with care and seek proper guidance if you are new to these practices. Practicing these techniques incorrectly can lead to discomfort, injury and other adverse effects, particularly if you have pre-existing health conditions or anxiety.
In light of these considerations, it's highly recommended that you consult with your doctor before attempting any new practices. This is especially important given your history with anxiety, as some pranayama techniques may not be suitable for you.
To help you get started, we have linked a YouTube video below that provides helpful tips and precautions to consider while practicing asanas and pranayama. This video is a great resource for beginners and experienced practitioners alike, and it can help you develop a deeper understanding of how to approach these practices safely and effectively.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gtitq4UhSro
When practicing pranayama, it's important to listen to your body and be mindful of how you feel during and after each session. If you experience any discomfort or negative symptoms, it's recommended that you stop the practice and seek guidance from a qualified instructor or your doctor.
Given your prior struggles with anxiety, it may be beneficial to first address this issue using mindfulness and anxiety countering techniques before attempting pranayama or meditation. These techniques can help you develop a greater sense of calm and control, making it easier to approach other practices with confidence and ease.
If you do decide to practice pranayama, it's important to start with gradually step-by-step practice and avoid any techniques that may be too challenging or uncomfortable for you. In particular, you may want to consider avoiding kumbhaka (breath retention) for now, as this technique can be particularly challenging for those with anxiety.
By approaching pranayama and other yogic practices with care and attention, you can develop the skills and knowledge needed to improve your physical and mental well-being. Remember, the key is to listen to your body, seek guidance from qualified instructors or healthcare professionals when needed, and approach each practice with an open mind and a sense of curiosity.
It is highly recommended to incorporate yogic shatkarmas, which are a set of yogic cleansing practices that help purify and detoxify the body, into your daily routine. These practices include dhauti (cleansing of the digestive tract), basti (colon cleansing), neti (nasal cleansing), trataka (eye cleansing), kapalabhati (breathing exercise), and nauli (abdominal massage). Additionally, adopting a satvic dietary lifestyle can greatly enhance the benefits of these practices. Satvic foods are those that are pure, fresh, and natural, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. By incorporating these practices and dietary changes into your daily routine, you can improve your overall health and well-being. However, it is important to practice shatkarmas and a sattvic dietary lifestyle under the guidance of a qualified yoga practitioner.
If you have any further queries or questions, please feel free to write back. We would be happy to help you achieve your goal of practicing yoga.
