Always breathe right: Shilpa Shetty shows and tells

We’ve all been exasperated over the Air Quality Index (AQI), which has been oscillating between ‘very poor’ to ‘severe’ at least in the national capital post Diwali celebrations! Air pollution and smog are a real concern, and pure air, as Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty Kundra rightly points out, is a “luxury”. Away in the hills for a relaxing sojourn, the fitness freak chose to make the most of the surroundings to meditate and practice important breathing exercises.

Whether she feels low or excited, Shilpa always turns to yoga to deal with these moments, and her Instagram account is proof enough! In her latest post, she can be seen indulging in several asanas like Anulom Vilom, Kapalabhati, and chanting ‘Om’ to energise herself.

She captioned the video:  ”’Offline is the new luxury’. To be able to switch off and be one with nature… just switch the mind off and BREATHE without fear (in the current Covid-19 situation). Clean and pure air truly is a luxury.”

She added, “Snowcapped mountains, pure oxygen, silence, only birds chirping… when you are able to find it; make the best of it. It is exactly what I did. Never take a break from breathing right even if I’m on a holiday.”

Shilpa did 21 Anulom Vilom (2 sets), 200 KapalBhati (2 sets), and Om chants, which she ended with thanking and showing gratitude to the universe. “Breathe with awareness, my #InstaFam,” she says. 

Take a look at the post here:

These are the benefits of Anulom Vilom

The practice focuses on breathing techniques, and anulom vilom is one of them. It is an alternative breathing technique that is completely safe to do, and does not have any side-effects. Let’s look at some of its benefits:

1. It strengthens the lungs and improves any respiratory issues, such as asthma or chest infection.
2. Controlled breathing helps in better blood and oxygen flow in the body, which can help you with any stomach-related infections, or even constipation.
3. It helps improve mental health by reducing stress levels and bringing about calmness.
4. This ensures that issues such as snoring are subsequently reduced.
5. Anulom Vilom also helps in regulating blood pressure, thereby reducing the risk of any heart disease.
6. Doing this for 15 minutes everyday helps to relieve or control migraine pain and headache by reducing stress and tension.

These are the benefits of Kapalabhati

1. This advanced practice of breathing helps to reduce the CO2 levels in the blood, thereby helping to increase the oxygen levels in the body.
2. This breathing technique helps to correct the low blood circulation in the body. It also de-stresses the mind.
3. It increases the capacity of your lungs, and strengthens them. 
4. Kapalbhati is known to remove toxins and other waste materials from the body.
5. It also increases the pitta, and hence the metabolic rate which is known to support weight loss.
6. It activates the brain cells, thereby improving memory and concentration power. Plus, it is a trusted technique to relieve anxiety and tension. 
7. It improves the health of your skin and gives you a radiant glow.
8. Breathing exercises help to cure asthma and the sinus.
9. It improves digestive issues and eliminates all gastric problems. Practicing kapalbhati helps to relieve gas, heartburn, and constipation.
10. Practicing this yoga asana can also cure insomnia.
11. It boosts the production of endorphins, thereby helping to uplift your mood.

These are the benefits of chanting Om

Om is a powerful sound that lies within us. Chanting Om or Aum is a sacred practice that helps our mind and body to energise. When you chant Om, it is good for your stomach, calms your mind, reduces stress and anxiety, helps you improve your immunity system and self-healing power.

So as Shilpa said, “Never take a break from breathing right.”