Breathing is such an unconscious act that you may not be aware of just how complex and important breathing relaxation exercises are. Learning how to breathe well is one of the most important lessons you will learn when you start yoga.
On a basic level, breathing allows you to draw in oxygen into your body, eliminate toxins and bacteria which impede your body's ability to function correctly.
From a yogic perspective, breathing well allows you to create a greater sense of harmony, balance and control over your mind. The deeper you breathe the more space and energy you create in your body and the more in touch you become with your spirit. Yoga philosophy teaches you that your breath is intrinsically connected with your life energy, life force or as it is known in yoga "prana". It is your life force that gives you energy, the ability to do what you do, to eat, to socialise, work, and do everything you have to do in your daily life.
Learning how to breathe well helps to activate, stimulate and rebalance your energy. You can use deep breathing exercises to energise your body, calm your mind or bring balance into your heart. Your breath is the link between your mind and your body. If you are like most of the population, chances are you do not make use of your full breathing apparatus when you breathe. Have you noticed how deeply and smoothly a baby breathes; their tummy moves in and out as they sleep. In adulthood, we tend to breathe very shallowly and fail to maximise our full breathing potential.
When you breathe deeply and fully you activate the parasympathetic nervous system. This allows the rest and digest response to filter through your body - as opposed to the fight and flight stress response which generally governs your life. Prana is then able to flow freely through your body in subtle energy channels which in yogic terms are known as "nadis". There are approximately 72,000 nadis in your body, if this term is unfamiliar to you, imagine a major railway system in your body. The nadis can be viewed as the train lines/tracks. So, to ensure your breath travels through all the rail lines, you need to breathe correctly.
How to do Breathing Exercises
To breathe correctly, you need to lie down on your back with your lower back supported and arms comfortably resting by your side with your legs straight out along the floor (unless you have a bad back or pain in your lower back, then bend your knees and have your feet flat on the floor) and focus on your breath. Breathe in, slowly and fully in and out through your nose. Alternatively, sit on a chair, make sure your back is straight and away from the back of the chair, have your feet flat on the floor and rest your hands on your lap, tune into your breath and start to breathe consciously in and out through your nose.
You can also practice deep breathing exercises standing up. To do this, stand in the mountain pose (feet facing forward, tail bone tucked under, spine straight, head straight up as if you are hanging from the ceiling from your crown). Place your hands on your belly and focus on breathing deeply in and out through your nose, being aware of the movement of your hands.
As you can see with patience and practice, you can learn how to calm, relax and energise your mind, body and spirit through deep breathing exercises.
If you are looking for a quick and easy way out of your current crazy hectic lifestyle and wish to regain calm and balance in your home-work life then claim your FREE special report Yoga Exercises And Relaxation Techniques To Help You Start Your Day In A Calm and Peaceful Way on yogainspires.co.uk yogainspires.co.uk guaranteed to help you start your day on a positive, peaceful vibe.
Blessings From Ntathu Allen, Yoga and Meditation Teacher. Visit me for further support and encouragement on your personal wellness journey on yogainspires.co.uk yogainspires.co.uk.
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