What is Sudarshan Kriya?
Sudarshan Kriya is the Sandskrit for healing breath. This breathing-based technique incorporates specific natural rhythms of breath to release stress and bring the mind to the present moment (http://us.artofliving.org). This rhythmic breathing consists of a cyclical pattern of three different stages. The first stage involves slow breathing of about 7-8 breaths, the second stage involves medium breathing with 15 breaths, and the third stage involves fast breathing with 30 breaths (www.the-south-asian.com/Art_of_breathing.htm). Sudarshan Kriya is taught by a trainer as a twenty hour program and is typically four to six sessions of two-and-a-half or three hours (http://us.artofliving.org). Following the course, home practice consists of 20-30 minute sessions to maintain the effects and benefits of Sudarshan Kriya. According to the Art of Living website, the benefits of Sudarshan Kriya are: * Greater creativity and clarity of mind * Reduced stress and tension * More ease and joy in persona
