Discover the profound connection between breath, energy, and consciousness in this insightful discussion with Akshay Bhatt, a practitioner of yoga and Ayurveda. The conversation explores the transformative practice of pranayama, or breath control, as a gateway to understanding the mind and body on a deeper level. Akshay explains how the practice of elongating the breath, retaining exhalations, and techniques like Brahmari (humming) can calm the nervous system, reduce stress, and unlock profound states of awareness.

The speakers delve into the ancient teachings of the Hatha Yoga Pradipika and Raja Yoga, revealing how breathwork aligns with the pranic body, the subtle energy field that governs vitality and balance. Akshay also shares practical tips for integrating pranayama into daily routines, emphasizing its role in managing emotions, improving focus, and preparing for meditation.

The discussion touches on the nuances of energy-based practices, such as Reiki and Pranic Healing, which help expand and balance prana (life force energy). Listeners will gain a fresh perspective on how conscious breathing not only supports physical health but also cultivates emotional resilience, spiritual awareness, and an enhanced sense of inner peace. This episode invites you to transform your daily habits through the power of breath.

Episode Chapters

00:00:00 - Exploring Pranayama: The Fourth Limb of Yoga

00:03:58 - Hatha Yoga: The Foundation for Raja Yoga

00:10:23 - Sensing the Subtle Energy Between Palms

00:15:16 - Pranic Healing and the Heart's Centrality

00:19:48 - The Power of Subtle Body Expansion

00:23:04 - The Power of Prana: Exploring the Pranic Body and Breath Practices

00:29:16 - Breath Holding and Oxygen Advantage

00:35:20 - Pranayama and Meditation Techniques for Relaxation

00:42:09 - Chakra Chanting and Meditation

00:43:16 - Chakra Activation through Mantra and Breath

00:45:43 - Observing Chakra Energies and the Mind

00:49:13 - Integrating Pranayama into Daily Life

00:52:21 - The Power of Breath in Meditation

Akshay’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/akshaybhatyoga/

Emotions like anger, frustration, and rage are part of the human experience, but how can we navigate them in a healthy way? In this episode, the guest dives deep into understanding these intense emotions, sharing practical tools to process them constructively and avoid their negative impacts on the body and mind.

The discussion explores how emotions like annoyance and anger trigger physical responses, such as increased cortisol levels and heightened stress. The guest explains how unresolved feelings, like resentment, can build over time and lead to physical tension and disrupted energy flow, particularly in organs like the liver and heart, as seen through the lens of traditional Chinese medicine. They highlight the importance of acknowledging and processing emotions in real time to prevent long-term emotional and physical strain.

Drawing inspiration from leaders like Nelson Mandela and insights from Brene Brown, the conversation emphasizes the power of vulnerability and emotional awareness. Techniques like breathing exercises, mindfulness, journaling, and body awareness are recommended to calm the nervous system and build emotional resilience. Through personal stories, including challenging travel experiences, the guest illustrates how self-awareness and self-compassion can transform emotional turmoil into personal growth. Listeners will walk away with tools to navigate their emotions and build deeper empathy and connection with themselves and others.

Michael’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelyoga.pt/

Episode Chapters:

00:00:00 - The Science of Anger and Frustration

00:03:32 - Emotions, Physiology, and Traditional Medicine

00:07:22 - The Physiology of Anger and Rage

00:10:46 - Rage, Anger, and the Body's Response

00:13:52 - Unresolved Emotions and Their Impact

00:16:50 - Emotional Intelligence: Practical Techniques

00:20:44 - Techniques to Manage Anger and Frustration

00:29:50 - Emotional Trek and Flight Delays

00:32:02 - Navigating Airline Booking Mishaps

00:34:06 - Navigating Airport Frustration with Yoga-Inspired Calm

00:35:49 - Coping with Stress and Emotional Turmoil

00:37:53 - Navigating Emotional Challenges

This episode offers a deep dive into the ancient wisdom of Chinese medicine, focusing on balance as the key to physical, emotional, and spiritual health. Jocelyn Keoh, a Chinese medicine practitioner, shares profound insights into how elements like fire, metal, and water influence our well-being.

The discussion explores the fire element, associated with passion and warmth, and its connection to the heart and small intestine. Jocelyn explains how imbalances can manifest as overexcitement or depletion and offers practical advice to maintain equilibrium through rest, emotional expression, and mindful living. The conversation also touches on the role of digestion and how our mental state influences gut health. By being fully present while eating, we can optimize our body's natural rhythms and support the rest-and-digest response.

Other topics include the vital connection between the lungs and skin, the importance of kidney health for energy and detoxification, and the Taoist concept of "jing" or kidney essence, which fuels our vitality. Jocelyn emphasizes the need to care for our lower back, avoid rushing detox processes, and seek personalized guidance from trusted practitioners.

This episode inspires listeners to tune into their body's signals, embrace balance, and take small, mindful steps toward lasting well-being.

TAO’s Medicine Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taomedicine/

Episode Chapters:00:00:00 - Exploring the Elements of Traditional Chinese Medicine

00:03:05 - The Heart: Governing Emotions and Sweat

00:07:45 - The Imbalance of Intensity

00:10:25 - The Balance of Body Fluids and Emotions

00:13:06 - Repressed Emotions and Chakra Imbalance

00:15:49 - Digestive Health: Balancing Mind and Body

00:21:35 - The Power of Presence and Mindfulness

00:25:48 - The Lungs and the Metal Element

00:29:24 - The Metal Element: Balancing Dominance and Vulnerability

00:33:24 - Breathing Through the Nose: Lungs and Emotions

00:36:11 - The Kidneys: The Foundation of Yin-Yang Balance

00:41:59 - Balancing Yin and Yang in Kidney Health

00:46:52 - Navigating Altitude Adjustments

00:47:46 - Personalized Approach to Wellbeing

00:49:23 - Consult a Health Professional Before Detoxing

00:51:19 - Upcoming Herbal Medicine Course