Yogic Breathing
Breath is the very essence of
life. According to the yogis, there are two main functions of breathing. The
first is to oxygenate the blood and the second to control the Prana or vital
energy, leading to control of the mind.
Yogic breathing is very important
in yoga. In the yoga sutras, the practice of pranayama and asana is considered
to be the highest form of purification and self-discipline for the mind and the
body. In pranayama we focus attention on the breath. Therefore, it is very important
to keep an alert mind. There is no movement in the body as in the practice of
asanas, but we must feel the movement of the breath within as pranayama
prepares us for achieving stillness- a prerequisite of meditation.
Just as there are three stages in an asana, in
pranayama there are three parts to each breath – inhalation, retention and
exhalation. Unlike the general belief that inhalation is the most important
part of breathing, yogic breathing focuses on prolonged retention and
exhalation. Nasal inhalation maximizes the amount of prana taken in, for at the
back of the nose lie the olfactory organs through which the prana passes, to
reach the central nervous system and the brain.
Yoga breathing exercises teach
you how to control the prana and thus control the mind. Since breathing
reflects your state of mind, by controlling your breathing, you can control
your state of mind. The increased intake of prana will bring you great vitality
and strength. It also steadies your emotions and encourages greater clarity of
mind. In order to facilitate the flow of prana, all yogic breathing exercises
are performed while sitting down with the spine, neck and head held in a
straight line. Always try to be aware of the breath, and focus on place in the
body where we can feel or hear the breath entering and leaving the body at the
nostrils. It is also possible to listen to the breath, especially if you make a
slight noise.
During pregnancy, yogic breathing
is extremely beneficial as you are breathing for the two of you. You need an
abundant amount of oxygen to pass it on to your baby, so that it develops into
a healthy, strong infant. Yogic will help control pregnancy anxieties and
gestation period. It also proves beneficial during labour as it helps you cope
with the painful muscular contractions and calms you, so that your delivery is
smooth and natural.
During pregnancy, yogic breathing
is extremely beneficial as you are breathing for the two of you. You need an
abundant amount of oxygen to pass it on to your baby, so that it develops into
a healthy, strong infant. Pranayama will help control pregnancy anxieties and
promote a feeling of calmness and well-being during your entire gestation
period. It also proves beneficial during labour as it helps you cape with the painful
muscular contractions and calms you, so that your delivery is smooth and
natural.
Whilst performing breathing
exercises, do remember to sit up in a comfortable position, supporting yourself
with cushions, keeping your facial muscles released and breath natural. Also
remember not to retain your breath and stop the exercise if your feel
breathless
.
“Breathe naturally, without forcing. No
pressure, no disturbance. Nothing should interfere with the simple tide-like
movement of our lungs as we breathe in and out.” – Vanda
Scarvelli
