YOGA BREATHING

Find out how the simple act of breathing can benefit your health.

Take a deep breath

Breathing is something that comes to us naturally. Without it, life doesn’t exist and it forms an important part in managing the metabolic activities of the body by conditioning the intake of oxygen through every breath.

Sufficient amounts of oxygen in the blood support the function of all organs of the body, maintain optimum health and further prevent the occurrence of many diseases by boosting immunity.

Removal of toxic substances from the body is aided by the oxygen dissolved in the blood. Proper functioning of nerves, organs and the brain are all carried out by oxygen. Hypoxia-or inadequate levels of oxygen in the blood are linked to many diseases – all of which can be potentially dangerous.

The importance of breathing in yoga

The yogis knew the importance of proper breathing and this is evident through the pranayam and yoga breathing practices we do today. These exercises are impeccably developed and cover all the aspects of providing adequate oxygen supply to the body.

Prana-meaning breath or the vital life force energy that exists in every living body on the earth is believed to be nourished by taking in pure oxygen. Yoga breathing practices aim at attaining higher states of awareness so as to harmonize the body with the infinite and divine consciousness.

Top yoga tips to inculcate correct breathing practices

Avoid breathing through your mouth – Studies show that breathing through the mouth is linked to several respiratory disorders.

Practice Anulom-Vilom pranayama – This pranayam maintains body temperature and improves blood circulation.

Inculcate deep breathing practices – Relaxation, detoxification, and strengthening of the heart are just a few of the benefits of deep breathing practices. Other benefits include massaging of the internal organs, muscle build-up, control of blood pressure, weight control, boosting of energy levels, increase of stamina, improvement of cellular regeneration and many more.

Try belly breathing – Used in traditional Chinese medicine practices to balance the qi flow through the body, belly breathing provides direct access to your hara which helps you stay grounded and centered throughout the day.

Go for diaphragmatic breathing – Now accepted by modern medicine, diaphragmatic breathing is connected to the autonomic nervous system which calms the constant mental chatter and brings about a serene calm feeling, beneficial for patients suffering from high blood pressure.

These breathing techniques, if implemented in daily life, are bound to show miraculous positive effects and maintain overall health.