Yoga is an ancient discipline thatencompasses the entire body and mind and the breath is the link between the two.So, to perform correctly the yogic exercises one needs to learn the art of breathingwhich will lead to complete physical and mental relaxation and balance.
Yoga has been practiced for manycenturies to improve the overall health and well-being of a person. With thestress we put our bodies through on a daily basis it is good to know that thereis a way out.
To get the most benefits from a yogapractice we need to learn how to breathe correctly using our entire lungcapacity and not only a small fraction of our lungs. When you breathe withawareness you become more aware of your physical body and of your state ofmind. You will get lots of benefits like:
1)By breathing slowly and deeply you allow more oxygen to get into your body, especiallyto the brain.
2)It will release tension and stress.
3)The correct breathing will help to reduce wastes and toxins.
4)It will improve digestion.
5)It will improve your concentration.
6)It will help you think in a more positive way.
Apart from a deep abdominal breathing,which is quite easy to learn and relaxing, there are many other types ofbreathing.Some can be done on your ownafter learning from a qualified yoga teacher, but some should be always done ina presence of a yoga teacher.
The deep abdominal breathing is bestdone lying on your back on the yoga mat in a well ventilated room. Keeping youreyes closed observe the natural breath rising and falling for a moment. Then beginto lengthen the inhalation and deepen the exhalation. Start noticing the rhythmicrise and fall of your abdomen and the feeling of complete relaxation.
Alternate nostril breathing withoutretention can be easily mastered but adding the breath retention should be doneunder the proper guidance from a yoga teacher. It has some healthcontraindications so please check it before attempting it.
Kapalabhati is a more vigorous form ofbreathing helping to energize your body. It is good to learn it from aqualified yoga teacher before trying to perform it on your own.
In some circumstances breathing exercises should not be done:
1)If you are having any breathing problems.
2) Directly after eating food.
3) If you are depressed.
Remember: Breathing exercises can be detrimental to your health if done incorrectly!
