Deep breathing is known to improve the efficiency of oxygen exchange in a way that benefits the mind and the body. Medical research shows the yogi science of breath reduces the stress response in the body and delivers more oxygen to the bloodstream.
Physical health materially depends upon correct breathing. Oriental teachers say the physical benefits derived from correct breathing habits aid mental power, happiness, self-control, clear-sightedness, morals and even spiritual growth.
Given we have to breathe, it's worth understanding the “yogi science of breath.”
When oxygen comes into contact with blood, a form of combustion takes place. Blood cells release carbonic acid gas generated from waste products and poisonous matter gathered up from all parts of the body's system.
Oxygenated blood is purified and carried back to the heart, rich, red and bright, laden with life-giving properties. Upon reaching the left auricle of the heart, it is forced into the left ventricle, from whence it is again forced out through the arteries on its mission to life to all parts of the system.
If you do not breathe in a sufficient quantity of air, the blood cannot carry out its work properly. This increases the risk of disease, or imperfect health issues.
If the blood is not fully purified by the regenerative process of the lungs, it returns to the arteries in an abnormal state, insufficiently purified and imperfectly cleansed of the impurities which it took up on its return journey.
These impurities, if returned to the system, will certainly manifest in some form of disease.
Likewise, if the air you breathe is filled with pollutants the body has to work harder to neutralise the threat. It is advisable to eliminate buying household products that contain toxins. If you meditate, consider creating a space that is free of any products with toxic chemicals in it.
Imperfect breathing only uses a portion of the lungs cells and a great portion of the lung capacity is lost.
Animals, in their native state, breathe naturally. Primitive man undoubtedly did the same. The abnormal manner of living adopted by civilised man has robbed us of our natural habit of deep breathing and the race is greatly suffering as a result.
Occultists in all ages and lands have always taught, usually in secret, that there was to be found in the air a substance or principle from which all activity, vitality and life was derived.
The work of Yogi Ramacharaka describes the principle of “prana”, the Sanskrit word for “absolute energy.”
Yogis know that by certain forms of breathing they establish certain relations with the supply of prana and may draw on the same for what they require.
Energy travels through the body's nervous system. The Cerebro-Spinal System contained within the brain and the spinal chord presides over the functions of seeing, hearing, tasting, smelling, feeling etc.
It sets things in motion; it retrieves thoughts, which triggers emotions which prompt action, thus is the instrument we use to communicate and interact with the outside world.
The Cerebro-Spinal system can be likened to a telephone system. The brain is the central office that does the organising and the planning, and the spinal column and nerves as cable and wires that send information to the brain for processing.
Thus prana is information. All energy carries information.
Yogi science teaches that the Solar Plexus is really a most important part of the nervous system. It is a second brain and appears to communicate with the world. Scientists think this is why we have a "gut feeling."
Yogi theory says the Solar Plexusis the great central store-house of Prana.
The name “Solar” is well bestowed on this second brain as it radiates strength and energy to all parts of the body. Solar is also a symbol of self-awareness. Anxiety is felt in the stomach to inform us that there is a potential threat and we need to pay attention.
We need to focus. Deep breathing can help you to focus. The Solar Plexus is the Caretaker archetype.
Complete Yogic Breathing plays a role in helping the entire respiratory apparatus to function.
One of the most important features of this method of breathing is the fact that the respiratory muscles are fully called into play. Ordinary breathing only a portion of these muscles is used.
In the rib-action, the lower ribs are controlled by the diaphragm which draws them slightly downward, while other muscles hold them in place and the intercostal muscles force them outward, which combined action increases the mid-chest cavity to its maximum.
In addition to this muscular action, the upper ribs are also lifted and forced outward by the intercostal muscles, which increases the capacity of the upper chest to its fullest extent.
By practising yogic breathing techniques on a regular basis you will reduce stress levels and handle situations that life throws at you with calmness and clarity.
Inhaling more oxygen into your bloodstream also helps clean toxins from the body and stimulate feelings of wellbeing and vitality.
