Breathe properly

INTRODUCTION

Breathing is a fundamental aspect of life, yet we often take it for granted. Breathing is an automatic process that our body performs without our conscious control. However, when we practice yoga, we learn to pay attention to our breath, to breathe deeply and slowly, and to use the breath as a tool to enhance our practice. In this article, we will explore the importance of practicing breathing properly, breathing deeply and slowly, in the practice of yoga.

BREATHING PROPERLY IN YOGA

Yoga is a holistic practice that involves the union of the body, mind, and spirit. One of the primary components of yoga is pranayama, which is the practice of breath control. Pranayama involves the regulation of the breath to improve physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

In yoga, breathing properly means using the diaphragm to breathe deeply and fully. The diaphragm is a large muscle located at the bottom of the lungs, separating the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity. When we inhale, the diaphragm contracts and moves downward, allowing the lungs to expand and fill with air. When we exhale, the diaphragm relaxes and moves upward, allowing the lungs to release the air.

Breathing properly in yoga involves focusing on the breath and using it to connect the body and the mind. When we breathe deeply and fully, we increase the oxygen supply to our cells, which helps to nourish the body and increase energy levels. Proper breathing also helps to reduce stress and anxiety, as it triggers the relaxation response in the body.

BREATHING DEEPLY AND SLOWLY IN YOGA

Breathing deeply and slowly is an essential aspect of yoga practice. When we breathe deeply, we increase the oxygen supply to the body, which helps to improve physical performance and mental clarity. Deep breathing also helps to calm the mind and reduce stress and anxiety.

In yoga, we use deep breathing to connect the movement of the body with the rhythm of the breath. Each movement in a yoga practice is coordinated with an inhale or an exhale, which helps to synchronize the body and the breath.

Slow breathing in yoga involves taking long, slow, and deliberate breaths. Slow breathing helps to calm the mind, reduce stress, and improve mental focus. Slow breathing also helps to lower the heart rate and blood pressure, which can help to improve cardiovascular health.

THE FOUR PHASES OF BREATHING IN YOGA

In yoga, from time immemorial breath has always been considered an important aspect of the practice and the four phases of the breath - inhalation, compression, exhalation, and retention - are a fundamental part of pranayama, or yogic breathing techniques. Let's take a closer look at each phase:

Inhalation: 

This is the first phase of the breathing cycle, where air is drawn into the lungs through the nostrils or mouth. Inhalation should be smooth and steady, without any strain or effort. In yoga, the inhalation is often associated with the expansion of the chest and the upward movement of the diaphragm.

Compression: 

After inhalation, there is a brief pause before the next phase, known as compression. Compression involves the contraction of the muscles in the abdomen and the pelvic floor, which helps to push the air upwards and compress the lungs. This phase is sometimes referred to as "holding the breath" or "retaining the breath."

Exhalation: 

The third phase of the breathing cycle is exhalation, where the air is expelled from the lungs. Exhalation should be slow and controlled, without any jerky or sudden movements. In yoga, the exhalation is often associated with the contraction of the abdominal muscles and the downward movement of the diaphragm.

Squeeze: 

After exhalation, there is another brief pause before the next inhalation. This phase is known as the squeeze, and it involves the contraction of the muscles in the lower abdomen and pelvic floor, which helps to expel any remaining air from the lungs and prepare the body for the next inhalation.

Together, these four phases of breathing help to regulate the flow of prana, or life force energy, throughout the body, and can have a calming and balancing effect on the mind and emotions. With regular practice, pranayama can help to improve respiratory function, reduce stress and anxiety, and increase overall wellbeing.

THE BENEFITS OF PRACTICING BREATHING PROPERLY IN YOGA

Practicing breathing properly, breathing deeply and slowly, in yoga offers a range of benefits for physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Physical Benefits

Breathing properly in yoga helps to improve lung capacity, which can improve overall respiratory function. Deep breathing also helps to increase oxygen supply to the cells, which can improve energy levels and physical performance.

Breathing properly in yoga can also help to improve posture, as it encourages the use of the diaphragm and other muscles involved in breathing. Proper posture can reduce the risk of injury, improve spinal alignment, and enhance overall physical appearance.

Mental Benefits

Breathing properly in yoga can also have a positive impact on mental well-being. Deep breathing helps to calm the mind, reduce stress and anxiety, and improve mental focus. Practicing pranayama can also help to reduce symptoms of depression and improve overall mood.

The synchronization of breath and movement in yoga can also enhance mental focus and concentration. This can be particularly helpful for individuals who struggle with ADHD or other attention-related disorders.

Emotional Benefits

Breathing properly in yoga can also have emotional benefits. Deep breathing helps to reduce stress and anxiety, which can improve overall emotional well-being. The relaxation response triggered by proper breathing can also improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression.

Practicing pranayama can also help to improve emotional regulation and reduce the intensity of emotional responses. This can be helpful for individuals who struggle with anger management or other emotional challenges.

CONCLUSION

Practicing breathing properly, breathing deeply and slowly, in the practice of yoga can offer a range of benefits for physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Proper breathing can help to improve lung capacity, increase oxygen supply to the cells, improve physical performance, reduce stress and anxiety, improve mental focus and concentration, and improve emotional well-being.

Incorporating pranayama into a yoga practice can enhance the overall benefits of the practice, and help individuals to connect more deeply with their body, mind, and spirit. By paying attention to the breath and practicing breathing properly, individuals can enhance their yoga practice and improve their overall quality of life.