The first breath we take when we are born is a sign of life. Breathing is the first thing we do when born and the last thing we do before we die. Clearly breathing is one of the most important things we do, if not the most important thing we do to stay alive. It is breathing that provides vital oxygen to every cell of the body, so breathing is important at a cellular level. In yoga as well, the vital importance of breathing is acknowledged and well documented. There are several very good reasons for this.
The importance of correct breathing in yoga
Though we breathe all the time; about 25,000 times a day, we rarely pay any attention to how we breathe. Breathing is not only important for proper oxygenation of the body and physical well being, proper breathing also promotes better mental health and lowers anxiety and stress. Proper breathing techniques are intrinsic to the correct practice of yoga and they ensure that the body gets the most benefit out of the aasans that you perform.
Concentrating on breathing helps center and focus the mind and lets the mind turn inward to achieve greater self awareness. The right breathing techniques are also thought to facilitate the free flow of ‘prana’ or energy in the body. This is seen to improve neuro-muscular coordination and reduce chances of sustaining an injury. Conscious breathing involves more parts of the brain, which is thought to have a soothing impact on the mind and its emotions. So when you’re performing yoga, you should pay close attention to when you have to inhale, how long to hold your breath and when to exhale. As you concentrate on the correct position and angle of the limbs, so should you concentrate on your breathing.
The concept of Pranayam
Anyone who has had a yoga class experience, will likely know a bit about Pranayam; the specific breathing techniques that we know have so many different beneficial impacts on the body and its health. A yoga class advertisement may also mention how certain breathing exercises will be taught to increase lung capacity, enhance absorption of oxygen and enhance energy levels. We know that specific breathing exercises such as Nadi Shuddhi, Bhramari, Shitali and Ujjayi Pranayam can help to cure specific disease in the body, clear the respiratory tract, improve digestion, ease headaches, help a person sleep better and have many other benefits besides.
Tips to breathe correctly
Don’t just use correct breathing techniques for the yoga class duration. Mindful breathing where the body derives optimum benefit from the process can and should be practiced all the time. Pay attention to how you breathe and see if the tenor of your breath changes at different times of the day. Concentrate on breathing deeply, evenly and regularly. Breathe consciously through your nose.
Inhale deeply and extend the exhalation to fully empty the lungs. Concentrate on breathing by involving the diaphragm. This ensures that you’re breathing in the right amount of oxygen which will be conveyed to the different organs of the body. Pay attention to your posture at all times. Improper posture impedes proper breathing too. Breathe consciously and derive optimal benefits of breathing.