Langhana: Sequencing & Pacing to Balance Energy
Meaning “reduction” or “light” (weight) in Sanskrit, langhana refers to quieting, soothing, cooling practices intended to calm, lower and ground energy. Examples of such practices include:
- Slow movements
- Rest between poses
- Longer stays in gentle poses
- Supported and resting poses
- Simple seated, prone and supine poses
- Forward Bends
- Restoratives
- Gentle Twists*
- Simple Flows with the breath
- Supported Inversions
- “Almost all poses with a Jalandhara Bandha-type chin lock (e.g. Sarvangasana, Halasana, Setu Bandha, and Viparita Karani) are cooling to the brain and body.” (Brad Priddy)
- Closed eyes
- Refraining from talking
- Seated Meditation
- Guided Visualizations
- Breath Practices: deep, slow breathing and/or focus on exhale, pause after exhale
- Pranayama: Inhale left, exhale right
- Chanting softly or in a lower pitch