Yoga is one exercise that is followed by everyone to keep themselves relaxed and focused on anything and everything they do. Breathing is the most vital and central practice that should be followed in yoga. Pranayama is the exercise which has a complete control over one’s breath.
Yoga exercises for breath consists of four steps and they are Puraka which is used for inhalation. Kumbhaka is used for retention, Rechaka is used for exhalation and Shunyata is used for the absence of breath in the body.
Uses of Yoga:
Pranayama is performed in order to have a complete control over one’s energy through breathing. The breath exercises in yoga teaches us to utilize the three anatomical parts of the lungs in the right way. Shallow breathing is considered when a person has bad habits, poor postures and unconscious carelessness.
In this case, the lungs get compressed and they deprive our body of essential oxygen. Insufficient oxygen in our lungs will lead to the build up of carbon dioxide in the system. Yoga teaches techniques to breath in the right way. When a person breathes properly then the air will be first filled in the abdominal lobes, then it gets filled in the intercostals and from there finally the subclavial lobes get filled.
The exhalation process is slow when compared to that of the inhalation and follows consciously the succession, until the lungs get completely empty. The energy in the body and mind can be controlled if a person learns to breathe right.
Yoga and Breathing:
Yoga will simply be a physical exercise if there is no proper breathing added to it. When yoga is performed along with the breathing techniques then one can experience a change in the state of mind. This helps to keep our body relaxed, peaceful and focused.
The energy of the breath can be sent to the entire body if a person concentrates, this will release tensions, supplies strength and will provide stillness to the areas where we are troubled. Yoga helps in discovering certain parts of our body which are tight, sore, painful or numb.
Breath for Meditation:
Breath is a very useful tool for meditation. A person can keep the mind stay calm and quiet by staying still and taking time to listen to it. Meditation helps to keep the mind calm and will create an awareness to the direct experiences of the present. It helps in discovering the true nature and the world around you.
