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The markets breathed a sigh of relief recently as Big Tech earnings came in better than feared.

Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOG)(NASDAQ:GOOGL), Microsoft (MSFT), Apple (AAPL), and even Amazon (AMZN) avoided major selloffs, as shown below.

The talk of the town since the debut of OpenAI's generative chatbot ChatGPT is Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML).

In fact, AI was mentioned 49 times (really!) on Alphabet's earnings call and was the subject of the first two analyst questions.

So, why now? After all, these companies have been integrating, using, and spending billions developing AI and ML tools for years. ChatGPT's debut thrust the tech into the spotlight, and Microsoft's billion-dollar investment was an opening salvo in the fight to make Bing a legitimate competitor to Google Search.

Many believe AI will be as transformative to society as the internet. No tech company can afford to appear unprepared or left behind. Alphabet quickly introduced its own generative chatbot, Bard, detailed its other efforts and combined its existing AI research teams to form DeepMind.

This technology race will be critical to Alphabet's future, but the immediate hype will inevitably fizzle as the mainstream media moves on. Transformative changes take time.

Meanwhile, there was big news from Google's Q1 that is vital to investors right now.

Let's take a look at two items that seem to be flying under the radar.

Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai pledged to make the company 20% more efficient when he spoke in 2022.

Revenue skyrocketed with economic stimulus flowing during the pandemic, and Alphabet ramped up spending. As shown below, total operating costs and expenses rose 63% between 2019 and 2022.

Data source: Alphabet. Chart by author.

The headcount nearly doubled to over 190,000 employees as of the end of 2022, graphed below.

Headcount isn't the only contributor to increased costs, but it is a big one. The growth seen immediately after the pandemic isn't sustainable, nor is the audacious spending.

Management must address efficiency for two reasons:

Alphabet's operating margin rose to over 30% in 2021 as sales skyrocketed 41%. However, growth has returned to Earth, the economy is challenging, and the operating margin is declining, as shown below.

Google reported $2.6 billion in charges related to cost-cutting initiatives in Q1, with $2 billion in severance costs and $560 million in office space reductions.

Removing these one-time charges raises the operating margin back above 28%. This is a small sign that the streamlining plan can be successful.

Google seemed caught flatfooted when ChatGPT took the country by storm. They quickly highlighted their initiatives, but the perception is that it is behind.

More is not always better for corporations. Too many cooks in the kitchen slows decision-making and creates poorer overall execution.

Airbnb (ABNB) is a terrific example of how successful a company can be by focusing on core results and efficiency.

The pandemic decimated Airbnb's top line and forced the company to streamline. Airbnb's revenue is now up 75% since 2019, yet the headcount is still 5% lower as of Q4 2022. As a result, Airbnb had its first GAAP profitable year in 2022 with an impressive operating margin and terrific free cash flow. This is extremely impressive for a young growth company.

Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky had this to say on the Q4 earnings call:

on headcount, something that's really interesting happened. So obviously, in 2020, we had to make some really difficult decisions, and we became a much smaller and more focused company. And the obvious result is that we got more efficient and profitable. But there was a less obvious result. What ended up happening is we had fewer people in meetings, and people can move a lot faster. And we concentrate all of our very best people and put them on only a few problems.

Google can't afford to be caught flatfooted again as it competes with Microsoft on Search and AI; being agile and responsive is critical.

Well, it's complicated. But let's not miss the forest arguing about the trees.

Investors and commentators have followed Google Cloud's path to operating profits closely. For some history, please take a glance at this article I published recently.

Great news! The Google Cloud segment reported an operating profit for the first time in Q1, as shown below.

Data source: Alphabet. Chart by author.

But it isn't that simple (is it ever?).

Alphabet changed accounting estimates for servers and network equipment depreciation, extending useful life from four to six years. This lowered operating expenses by $988 million in the quarter. A large chunk likely hit the Google Cloud segment and propelled it to operating profitability.

Many have argued over whether this is progress or just a gimmick to make results appear better. But this isn't important.

What is important is that depreciation is a non-cash expense, and the change created positive operating income. This clarifies that the Google Cloud segment is significantly accretive to EBITDA and operating cash flow. That's the critical positive news.

Alphabet reported solid results in Q1, with 3% revenue growth led by 28% growth in Google Cloud. Operating income and earnings per share dipped, but this was expected, given inflation and the one-time charges discussed above.

The company is a cash flow machine with $23.5 billion in operating cash flow for the quarter. Stock buybacks increased to $14.6 billion in Q1, and another $70 billion (~5% of the market cap) was recently authorized.

Despite the handwringing over Microsoft and ChatGPT, Google Search isn't likely to be dethroned anytime soon. Alphabet has its own AI initiatives and an impressive research team at DeepMind. A long runway remains for the cloud, and YouTube is getting a much-needed push with new leadership.

The valuation is still below historical averages, as shown below.

Alphabets' focus on efficiency, terrific cash generation, and a renewed urgency to innovate make it a solid long-term investment.

Continued here:
Google: 2 Huge Q1 Items You May Have Missed (Hint: It's Not AI ... - Seeking Alpha

In our series, What I Love, were asking designers to build us a mood board of whats inspiring them right now.

Lisa HaudeCourtesy of LK Architecture

Lisa Haude finds inspiration in her surroundings. The Wichita, Kansas, designer at LK Architecture employs a time-tested blend of colorful graphic patterns and touchable organic finishes to create warm yet curated spaces that draw from the great outdoors.

Designed after a recent trip to Napa Valley, Haudes current flat lay is crafted with rolling hills, stunning sunsets and endless miles of vineyards in mind. One of our favorite clients asked to refresh their hotel lobby to reflect modern wine country, she tells Business of Home. I envisioned a space full of plush textures juxtaposed against natural elements and neutral tones.

The end result is an earthy mix of intrinsically tactile materialsincluding bronze, linen and leatherand deep jewel-toned hues that evoke the Northern California landscape. Much like the countryside, the mood board feels rich, lush and full of authentic charm, she says.

Here, Haude breaks down the details, from beaded necklaces to fuzzy wools.

A flat lay by Lisa HaudeCourtesy of LK Architecture

1. MULLIGAN FABRIC IN INDIGO BY PINDLER

The rustic texture juxtaposed by the elegant, ornamental design makes bygone opulence modern.

2. FORWARD RUG IN MOCHA BY ENDLESS KNOT

I love using a chunky wool rug to delineate spaces and add a soft texture underfoot.

3. FABRICOIL IN ANTIQUE BRONZE BY CASCADE ARCHITECTURAL

Integrating a bronze finish into any project brings a sophisticated warmth to the space that will stand the test of time.

4. VINTAGE LARIAT NECKLACE

Endless inspiration can be found in the past, and this lariat is the perfect complement.

5. DOMESTIC AFFAIR FABRIC IN JUNEBERRY BY S. HARRIS

This deliciously plush material features a deep, rich burgundy colorsimilar to a full-bodied winethat adds so much depth to this design.

6. RUSTLER LEATHER IN SADDLE AND SEVILLA LEATHER IN ESPANA BY HOLLY HUNT

Our favorite go-to leathers that will stand the test of time.

7. SHALIMAR FABRIC IN PETROL BY MOKUM

This delicate linen blend with a blue watercolor design is reminiscent of fine china and further adds to the feel of modern opulence.

8. FREDDO FABRIC IN PESCA BY PIERRE FREY

Incorporating a chenille velvet into any space adds a plush texture, making it feel like home.

9. BOREAL FOUNDRY PORCELAIN WALL TILE IN BLACK BY TILEBAR

Metallics are always a fun way to add an unexpected pop to any design.

10. MOSTRO FABRIC IN NO. ZFMOSVT-01 BY ZAK+FOX

Genuine wool will never go out of style and is the perfect counterpart to the luxurious velvets and leathers.

11. JUMBO CROCODILE LEATHER IN BURGUNDY BY EDELMAN LEATHER

Crocodile leather is my favorite way to add an unexpected texture that wears better with time.

12. SABA FABRIC IN LINEN BY MOKUM

Linen is forever desirableI try to include it in every project.

13. STAINED ASH WOOD FLOORING SAMPLE IN BURNISHED BARK BY JAMIE BECKWITH COLLECTION

Wood inherently warms up a space, bringing the outside in and helping ground us back to nature.

14. PHANTASEA FABRIC IN PYLA BEACH BY ANZEA

The texture of this fabric gives beautiful tonal movement to an otherwise neutral color.

15. FLOATER 306-20 MOULDING IN PALE GOLD BY MICHELANGELO MOULDING

This textured gold frame adds the perfect patina that I was looking for to seamlessly blend the old with the new.

16. JUDARN MURAL BY YORK WALLCOVERINGS AT ANTHROPOLOGIE

I absolutely love this mural for its whimsical and airy design, and perfect blending of colors.

17. ASSORTED RUG POM SAMPLES BY LOOPHOUSE

I always love an opportunity to play in a pom box. It guarantees you get a perfectly customized rug or carpet.

18. EDWARDIAN FABRIC IN PEACOCK BY ARCHITEX

Contrast is the lifeblood of design. What is more perfect to contrast with the deep burgundy tone than an equally rich teal?

19. GRAVITY ALUMINIUM 3D HEXAGON GOLD TILE BY PORCELANOSA

Delicate and beautiful as seashells, this mosaic plays with shine and shadow, forever changing throughout the day.

20. GYPSUM CALACATTA PORCELAIN SURFACE BY DALTILE

This porcelain has elegant movement in beige and gray that provides the perfect moody backdrop to any space.

21. 2010 ESTATE LU NAPA VALLEY RED WINE BY ST. SUPRY

Inspired by the beauty of Napa Valley, this bottle is the perfect memento to include and highlights my love of the region.

Homepage photo: A flat lay by Lisa Haude | Courtesy of LK Architecture

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Lisa Haude's wine-country-inspired selection of deep burgundy ... - Business of Home

At its annual I/O Conference last week, Google announced that it is moving quickly to add ChatGPT-like features to search. Whether users will find them useful remains to be seen. According to some reporters who have seen the early rollout of these, product searches will start with synthesized material from different reviews, summarized. However, its not immediately obvious how brief summaries improve the search experience.

At its annual I/O Conference last week, Google announced that it is moving quickly to add ChatGPT-like features to search. Whether users will find them useful remains to be seen. According to some reporters who have seen the early rollout of these, product searches will start with synthesized material from different reviews, summarized. However, its not immediately obvious how brief summaries improve the search experience.

A few months ago, OpenAI, a company backed by Microsoft, released ChatGPT, which quickly grabbed millions of users, many who see it as a great leap forward for the internet. Microsoft incorporated some of those capabilities into Bing chat (an add-on to its own search engine Bing). Curiously, it was researchers at Alphabets Google and its sister company DeepMind who had developed some of the core technology at work in new chatbots, but Google had been cautious about publicly launching its precursor to ChatGPT, called LaMDA.

A few months ago, OpenAI, a company backed by Microsoft, released ChatGPT, which quickly grabbed millions of users, many who see it as a great leap forward for the internet. Microsoft incorporated some of those capabilities into Bing chat (an add-on to its own search engine Bing). Curiously, it was researchers at Alphabets Google and its sister company DeepMind who had developed some of the core technology at work in new chatbots, but Google had been cautious about publicly launching its precursor to ChatGPT, called LaMDA.

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But popular interest in ChatGPT made Google scramble to catch up. In March, Google changed strategy, announcing a ChatGPT competitor called Bard, whose launch was famously riddled with errors. In April, Google said it was combining its AI research group with DeepMinds. And last week, at I/O, came the announcement of generative AI in search.

However, unlike Microsofts Bing, which is rolling out a similar feature globally, Google has restricted its generative AI capabilities to its users in the US. Why is Google being so selective with this technology? To me, when it comes to Generative AI, it seems that Google still has a tech lead on generative AI, so this caution is puzzling.

According an article in Wired magazine, (bit.ly/42W0Gu9), the supposedly unpolished feel of these new features may reflect the fact that their launch is a defensive move: Google has invested huge sums and major resources in AI over recent years, yet Google still found itself wrong-footed with the arrival of ChatGPT, a surprisingly clever and garrulousthough also fundamentally flawedchatbot from OpenAI. because ChatGPT was trained on much of the web, users quickly found it a promising new way to search, even if the bot is prone to fabricating information. Microsoft seized on this potential by investing $10 billion in OpenAI in January and then incorporating ChatGPT into Bing a month later."

Googles dominance could make this latest move the biggest test yet of the power and usefulness of ChatGPT-like functionality. But the move has risks. Because language models are built to sometimes fabricate sets of words, search firms must develop ways to check that the information served to users is accurate. Most important, Google needs to avoid cannibalizing its search advertising business, which provides a significant chunk of the companys revenue.

As most of us now know, generative AI uses complex algorithms and neural networks to analyse vast amounts of data and generate new content based on that analysis. In the context of search engines, this technology can be used to create more in-depth and personalized answers to user queries, considering a wider range of contextual factors.

Without sufficient data, the AI simply cannot produce accurate or meaningful results. This is where Googles decision to restrict its generative AI capabilities to the US market becomes more understandable. The US is home to some of the worlds largest and most diverse data-sets, making it an ideal environment for training generative AI models. From publicly available government data to vast amounts of user-generated content across social media platforms, the US provides a wealth of data that cannot be replicated in most other countries.

In the meantime, Microsofts decision to roll out its generative AI capabilities globally could be seen as a strategic move to gain an advantage over Google. By making this technology available to users all over the world, Microsoft is positioning its Bing as a more global and accessible search engine than Google. This could be particularly important in emerging markets, where access to relevant and personalized information is increasingly important.

But Microsofts approach also comes with problems. Rolling out this technology globally will require Microsoft to gather and analyse vast amounts of data from a wide range of sources. This is no small feat and will likely take time and significant resources to accomplish. Nonetheless, the fact that ChatGPT has taken the world by storm since its release has no doubt emboldened Microsoft. It can afford to play the cowboy in this market and take more risks, since it has less to lose than Google has in the search engine market.

Googles cautious rollout also probably means it is unwilling to risk its core business and wants to lead the narrative in how generative AI is used such that it protects its advertising revenue. Wired quotes the CEO of a competing generative AI search tool startup, Aravind Srinivas, who says, Google is combining generative content with conventional search results and not replacing them, which shows how hesitant the company to mess with its search advertising business."

At the I/O Conference held last week, Alphabet-owned Google announced several other services that use the kind of Generative AI found in ChatGPT. But it is these early efforts to integrate this technology into its dominant search engine that may be most important for its users and for the companys future. It is no wonder that the firm is being so cautious in its approach.

Siddharth Pai is co-founder of Siana Capital, a venture fund manager.

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Google search will be led by generative AI only in the US | Mint - Mint

Everyone at the Oregon Capitol knew how an April committee vote on legislative Democrats sweeping measure to expand access to abortion and gender-affirming care would go.

Democrats who hold the majority in the Legislature believe voters gave them a mandate to pass House Bill 2002, which would protect medical providers from prosecution for providing reproductive health care or gender-affirming care. Republicans adamantly opposed it, focusing most of their ire on provisions in the bill allowing minors of any age to obtain abortions, contraception and other reproductive care without their parents knowledge and teens 15 or older to access gender-affirming care without their parents knowing.

But what followed that vote was a surprise: One Republican, who has voted with the party on many bills, changed his mind on HB 2002 after doing more research.

Charlie Conrad, a freshman representative and former police officer from the small unincorporated community of Dexter in rural Lane County, joined fellow Republicans in voting against it in the House Behavioral Health and Health Care Committee. He worried that young people would succumb to social pressure or poor decision-making skills and go down a path of medical transition that theyd come to regret.

We need to do better for them, and we need to protect them, he said before voting against the bill.

But then, as Conrad later explained in an interview with the Capital Chronicle, he realized that he wasnt comfortable with what he knew about gender-affirming care.

I havent had personal experience with that, he said. I dont have any friends or family that have gone through that, or friends that have had kids that have gone through that. Thats a realm that I dont have a lot of personal and relevant experience with.

So he decided to learn what he could. He reached out to health care providers, who helped him connect with parents of trans kids and learn more about what kind of care is provided for minors. And nearly a month later, when Conrad got his next chance to vote on House Bill 2002 on the House floor, he joined every Democrat in voting for it while every other Republican voted no.

Conrad didnt speak about the bill on the floor while fellow Republicans spent hours trying to derail it by sending it back to committees or postponing the vote indefinitely or for months. He voted for those attempts explaining later that he supported efforts to have more public input and discussion about the bill.

Other Republicans knew ahead of time that he would vote for the measure, but that vote came as a surprise to Capitol observers. Conrad explained it in a three-page letter the next day.

He described what he learned after the committee hearing that doctors follow established standards of care, and that gender-affirming treatment for minors generally doesnt include surgeries or other irreversible changes. He concluded that doctors and other health care providers should be free to provide services without government interference or harassment.

My concerns are lessened knowing medical providers have adopted and are adhering to these standards, Conrad wrote. I trust that highly trained medical professionals and the respective licensing boards will address any lax practitioners that prove too eager to provide irreversible medical treatment to minors.

Conrad said he thinks about the difference between possibilities and probabilities when considering policies. Some opponents of HB 2002 have focused on the most extreme possibilities things like 10-year-old girls receiving abortions or troubled teens obtaining genital surgeries behind their parents backs but Conrad wanted to know whats likely to happen.

How often, really, is a doctor going to start certain surgical procedures that are irreversible on a 13-year-old? The possibility of that happening technically, its there, but the probability is so small, he said.

He read standards of care established by the World Professional Association for Transgender Health, which sets guidelines for gender-affirming care. It doesnt recommend any medical intervention for children pre-puberty, but instead that parents and other adults provide social support, such as allowing a child to use a different name or change their hair or clothing to feel more comfortable.

Those standards also call for avoiding gender-affirming surgery until adulthood, while allowing some adolescents to take medication delaying or halting hormonal changes that come with puberty. Blocking testosterone or estrogen slows development of secondary sex characteristics, such as deep voices and facial hair in male people and breast growth and menstruation in female people.

Conrad also learned that doctors strive to involve parents whenever they can, both when children explore their gender identity and when a young person is seeking reproductive health care, including abortions. But in some cases, parents dont support their kids.

He met one mother of a transgender teenager who described how her childs friend, also transgender, was kicked out of their house by unaccepting parents. That tracked with Conrads 14 years working as a Springfield police officer, where he encountered many children with irresponsible parents.

There are parents that have no business being a parent, he said. They abandon their children, they leave their children to fend for themselves. And now you have children, juveniles that need assistance, are looking for something and this will allow other adults to be able to come in and help that child out and help guide them through that process.

Conrad said he tries to take the same approach of learning as much as possible about the issues covered in every bill. He serves on House committees that handle criminal justice, health care, behavioral health, veterans and emergency management, and he spends a lot of time talking to law enforcement, health care providers, attorneys and others in Lane County.

Rep. Dacia Grayber, D-Tigard and the chair of the House Committee on Emergency Management, General Government, and Veterans, said Conrad should win an award for asking the best questions if such an award existed.

Conrad didnt speak directly with representatives from Basic Rights Oregon, the LGBTQ advocacy group thats championing HB 2002. But Blair Stenvick, the organizations communications director, said Conrads experience learning more about gender-affirming care and concluding that its a decision best left to doctors and patients tracks with polling theyve seen.

Once folks learn more about what gender-affirming care is, how it works, the steps that a person and their doctor goes through to start that care, it seems like people often come around, Stenvick said.

Conrad describes himself as a pro-choice Republican, an increasingly endangered group in Oregon politics although recent surveys demonstrate that 72% of all Oregon voters and 42% of Republican voters believe abortion should be legal in most or all cases.

Oregon voters most recently weighed in on abortion in 2018, soundly defeating a ballot measure that would have barred public funding for abortion. That attempt to limit abortion failed in several rural and exurban counties won by Donald Trump in 2020 and Republican gubernatorial candidates Knute Buehler and Christine Drazan in 2018 and 2022.

Buehler and 2016 Republican gubernatorial nominee Bud Pierce supported abortion rights, as did Buehlers Republican successor in the state House, Cheri Helt. After Buehler lost his 2020 primary for the 2nd Congressional District now represented by anti-abortion U.S. Rep. Cliff Bentz and Helt lost her 2020 general election, Oregon Right to Life trumpeted the era of pro-choice Republicans in Oregon is over.

Conrad said he didnt lead with supporting abortion rights when he ran, but he didnt hide from it either. His campaign website describes how people are inherently different, and the state should enable them to follow their own beliefs. His district, which extends west into rural Lane County from the south hills of Eugene, is almost an even three-way split of Republicans, Democrats and non-affiliated voters.

He said he heard from constituents who agreed and disagreed with him after the vote. Inside the Capitol, Conrad said he only encountered respect from fellow Republicans who disagreed with his vote but respected that he voted his conscience.

That includes Rep. Ed Diehl, R-Stayton, who has been the most outspoken opponent of HB 2002. Diehl, also a freshman legislator, said Republican leaders have never told him or any other caucus members how to vote on bills, and theyre free to disagree and debate bills publicly without fear of repercussions.

I have a ton of respect for Charlie, and hes got his reasons, Diehl said. Ill just leave it at that. But I do have a ton of respect for him.

Conrad said he thinks about how hes representing the 70,000 people in his district, and how he represents the other Oregon Republicans who support abortion rights. If that means he faces a primary challenge in 2024, so be it.

Once session is over, and Im going around and Im talking to folks, undoubtedly, its going to come up, he said. This is who I am. Im working hard to represent you, and if Im not the right person for you, then please go to the ballot and choose somebody that does represent you. But this is who I am.

Read more:
How Oregon Rep. Charlie Conrad changed his mind to vote for ... - Oregon Capital Chronicle

On World Hypertension Day 2023, Indian yoga guru Dr Hansaji Yogendra suggests the most effective breathing exercises for hypertension. healthshots

Take a deep breath! We often underestimate the importance of breathing exercises for health. Various studies have highlighted how slow and deep breathing is a fruitful alternative therapy for people fighting lifestyle conditions. One such health condition is hypertension or high blood pressure. According to Indian yoga guru Dr Hansaji Yogendra, practising certain breathing exercises for hypertension can have potential benefits in controlling high blood pressure.

Dr Hansaji Yogendra, Director, The Yoga Institute and President of the Indian Yoga Association, says Pranayama can help to control high blood pressure.

In todays fast-paced lifestyle, hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is on the rise. Our state of mind, clouded by emotions such as anger, frustration, irritation, restlessness, and stress, contribute to the risk of hypertension. Moreover, the constant hustle often leaves us forgetting to relax, a significant factor underlying this condition. Faulty food habits and a lack of exercise also play a role. In light of these concerns, it becomes crucial to explore techniques that can effectively reduce high blood pressure. One such approach is through the practice of Pranayama, ancient yogic breathing exercises. Let us explore the best breathing exercises for hypertension and their therapeutic benefits.

Yogendra Pranayama No.4 is a specialised breathing technique that emphasises deep abdominal breathing to induce relaxation and alleviate stress-related factors contributing to hypertension. Yogendra Pranayama No.4 promotes diaphragmatic breathing, triggers the relaxation response, and assists in reducing blood pressure. Heres how to practice this technique:

* Assume a comfortable seated position and place your hands on your lower abdomen, just above the navel* Inhale deeply, allowing the abdomen to expand outward as the lower lungs fill with air* Exhale slowly and completely, allowing the abdomen to contract inward and gently release the air* Repeat this rhythmic deep abdominal breathing for 5 to 10 minutes daily.

Rechaka, derived from the Sanskrit word for exhalation, is a Pranayama technique that focuses on controlled and prolonged exhalation. It aids in releasing tension, reducing anxiety and fostering a calm state of mind and body. Heres how to practice Rechaka:

* Sit in a cross-legged position such as sukhasana* Close your eyes, and inhale deeply through the nose, filling your lungs with air* Exhale slowly through the nose, extending the exhalation to a duration longer than the inhalation* Aim for a 1:2 ratio, exhaling for twice as long as you inhale.

This extended exhalation induces deep relaxation and activates the bodys parasympathetic nervous system, resulting in a potential decrease in blood pressure levels. Engage in Rechaka for 5 to 7 minutes daily to experience its potential benefits.

Anuloma Viloma Pranayama, commonly referred to as alternate nostril breathing, is a widely recognized pranayama technique known for promoting harmony and balance within the body and mind. Heres how to practise Anuloma Viloma.

* Find a comfortable seated position, allowing your body to relax* Raise your right hand to your face with your eyes closed. Gently close your right nostril with your right thumb* Inhale slowly and deeply through your left nostril, filling your lungs with air* Once you have completed a full inhalation, release the closure on your right nostril and use your ring finger to close your left nostril* Exhale slowly and fully through your right nostril* Inhale through the right nostril, close it with your thumb, and exhale through the left nostril* Continue this rhythmic pattern of alternate nostril breathing for several rounds.

Anuloma Viloma Pranayama, without breath retention, is particularly beneficial for individuals with hypertension. That is because it facilitates relaxation, stress reduction, and has the potential to regulate blood pressure levels.

By incorporating this pranayama into your daily routine alongside Yogendra Pranayama No. 4 and Rechaka, you can further amplify the advantages of your breathing practice in effectively managing hypertension.

Even dedicating just 10-15 minutes a day to practice pranayamas can have a profound positive impact on your body and mind. Pranayamas such as Yogendra Pranayama No.4, Anuloma Viloma and Rechaka, provide techniques to relax your breath, which in turn relaxes your entire being instantly. It is high time we prioritize ourselves and carve out moments in our day for self-care. Embrace the potential benefits of these Pranayamas, allowing yourself to regain control of your hypertension and experience the transformative power of breath in promoting overall health and well-being.

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Breathing techniques to control hypertension: How Pranayama can help - Health shots