This easy exercise series helps to release nervous tension. It uses pranayam to work on the upper triangle of chakras and the balance of the thyroid and parathyroid glands. Deep relaxation is a must for physical and mental health.
Arm Pumps
This exercise works on the metabolism by stimulating the thyroid and parathyroid glands. This position also aids in digestion.
Posture: Sit on your heels. Interlock the fingers of both hands in Venus Lock and extend the arms straight out, parallel to the ground.
Breath & Movement: Inhale deeply and suspend the breath. Pump the arms 3 times, rapidly raising the arms straight up overhead and then lowering them to the original position. Then exhale, with the arms parallel.
![](https://www.3ho.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/ky_-_metabolism_and_relaxation_1a_-_cropped.jpg)
Continue for 1 – 2 minutes. Then begin pumping the arms 10 times on each inhalation. Continue for 1 – 2 more minutes.
Leg Lift
This exercise works on the Navel Point and aids in digestion.
Posture: Lie on the back. Place the hands in Venus Lock, fingers interlaced, behind the neck.
Breath & Movement: Inhale and raise the left leg up to a height of 2 feet, keep the leg straight and point the toes. Continue with long, deep breathing.
![](https://www.3ho.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/ky_-_metabolism_and_relaxation_2b.jpg)
Continue for 1 – 2 minutes. Then switch legs and raise only the right leg up to 2 feet. Hold with long, deep
breathing for 1 – 2 minutes, then relax.
Praanayam Series
This series of breathing exercises opens the lungs and directs the nervous system to coordinate left and right hemisphere interaction. It also activates the pituitary and pineal glands.
Posture: Sit in Easy Pose.
a. Left Nostril Long and Deep
Cover the right nostril with the thumb of the right hand. Breathe long and deep through the left nostril. Continue for 1 – 2 minutes).
b. Right Nostril Long and Deep
Cover the left nostril with the index finger of the right hand and continue long deep breathing through the right nostril. Continue for 1 – 2 minutes.
c. Inhale Right, Exhale Left
Making a U with the thumb and index finger of your right hand, begin inhaling through the right nostril and exhaling through the left. Continue for 1 – 2 minutes.
d. Breath of Fire Inhale Left, Exhale Right
Then begin Breath of Fire, inhaling through the left nostril and exhaling through the right. Continue for 1 – 2 minutes.
e. Breath of Fire Inhale Right, Exhale Left
Then switch hands and continue Breath of Fire, inhaling through the right nostril and exhaling through the left. Continue for 1 – 2 minutes.
![](https://www.3ho.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/ky_-_metabolism_and_relaxation_3a.jpg)
Total time is 5 – 10 minutes. To end, inhale deeply through both nostrils, suspend the breath briefly, exhale and relax.
Stretch Pose
This exercise adjusts and balances the Third Chakra, sets the Navel Point and aids in digestion.
Posture: Lie on the back with the legs together and the toes pointed. Raise the head, heels and arms 6 inches. Look at your toes, and stretch the arms out pointing the
fingers toward the toes.
Breath: Begin Breath of Fire and hold the position.
![](https://www.3ho.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/ky_-_metabolism_and_relaxation_4.jpg)
Continue for 1 – 3 minutes. To end, inhale and suspend the breath briefly. Exhale. Inhale. Exhale completely
and apply mool bandh (Root Lock). Inhale and relax.
Knee Hug
This exercise stimulates the thyroid, opens up the sacral area and relieves the pressure of intestinal gas.
Posture: Remaining on the back, bring the knees in tightly toward the chest and clasp the arms around the knees. Raise the head, and tuck the nose between the knees.
Breath: Begin Breath of Fire and hold the position.
![](https://www.3ho.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/ky_-_metabolism_and_relaxation_5.jpg)
Continue for 1 – 3 minutes.
Life Nerve Stretch
This exercise stretches the life (sciatic) nerve and the spine.
Posture: Immediately sit up with the legs stretched out straight in front. Grab the big toes of each foot by locking the forefingers around the toes and pressing the thumbs against the big toenails. Bend forward, pulling the elbows to the ground and the head to the knees.
Breath: Breathe long and deep.
![](https://www.3ho.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/ky_-_metabolism_and_relaxation_6.jpg)
Continue for 1 – 3 minutes.
Raise Head 12 Inches
This exercise coordinates stimulation of the thyroid and the pituitary to prepare you for deep relaxation.
Posture: Lie on the back with the legs out straight. Raise the head 12 inches. Lift and stretch the arms forward parallel to the ground.
Eyes: Focus at the Third Eye Point.
Breath: Begin Breath of Fire.
Continue for 1 – 3 minutes. To end, inhale and relax.
Corpse Pose
Posture: Relax on the back. Let the arms be at the sides with the palms facing up. Deeply relax.
![](https://www.3ho.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/ky_-_metabolism_and_relaxation_8.jpg)
Continue for 5 – 10 minutes.
This kriya can be found in Kriya: Yoga Sets, Meditations, Classic Kriyas.