The Importance of Breath in Yoga
abracad, · Categories: externally authored, yogaby Bipin Baloni
Summary: This article aims to inform its readers the role of breath in yoga.
The act of breathing is well known to all of us and we naturally perform this art all time by taking about 25000 breaths a day. But have you ever pondered upon the importance of breath beyond the support for staying physically alive? Well, breath is the vital force necessary to live. A popular adage goes, “Breathe Well and Live Well." However, we use only a fraction of our lung capacity to breathe taking shallow and fast breaths which deprives the body of oxygen and prana, the two core essentials for leading a healthy life.
The discipline of yoga incorporates the practice of pranayama (yogic breathing techniques). And, yoga is the perfect route to learn the various kinds of pranayama and correct techniques of practicing yogic breathing that rewards the body, mind, and soul in unbelievable ways. The pranayama practices draw our attention to the subtle layers of our breath and teach us the art of conscious and deep breathing that enhances the quality of prana, lengthens the years of life, and tranquilizes the mind.
Have a look at the traditional breathing techniques:
1 Ujjayi Breathing: This pranayama technique that involves the creation of sound similar to ocean waves is a relaxing and energizing breathing technique. Done in association with yoga postures, this pranayama practice cools down the mind, increases psychic sensitivity, and enhances the relaxation response.
2 KapalBhati Breathing: A sneezing breathing technique, it involves the forceful exhalation of the breath through the lungs. Kapalbhati practices cleanse the brain area and generate heat in the body thus eliminating all the toxins from the body.
3 Sheetali Breathing: Breathing through a rolled tongue tube. An excellent yogic breathing technique to treat hypertension, to boost the flow of prana throughout the body, and to maintain the health of digestive organs.
4 Alternate Nostril Breathing: The practice of inhalation and exhalation through alternate nostrils unblocks the various energy centers and channels, balances the nervous system, and improves mental concentration.
Importance of Breath in Yoga:
Breathing Lessons in Meditation: Many yoga practitioners separate meditation from the physical yoga practices: asanas and yogic breathing techniques. However, pranayama is central to the performance of meditation. Anapanasati meditation focuses on mindful breathing to reach a state of samadhi and to develop vipassana.
Synchronization of Breath and Yoga Asanas: The interlinking of the movements (postures) with the breath makes yoga a form of moving meditation that allows you to delve deeper into your inner consciousness. The usage of breath while performing yoga asanas creates harmony within the body-mind and helps control the movements that reduce the risk of sustaining injury.
Prana and Pranayama: In yoga, we learn to regulate the prana (the vital force) through pranayama. Once you learn the art of controlling the prana through yogic breathing techniques you can better control the movement of prana through the various organs and parts of the body.
Activating the Energy Channels: Breath influences the body, mind, and soul. The body is constituted of 72, 000 Nadis and Ida, Pingala, and Sushumna are the three most important energy channels of all. The regulation of breath is used to balance the Ida and Pingala Nadis in order to activate the various chakras and Kundalini for the purpose of enrichment.
Controlling the Breath: The art of yoga teaches the practitioners the techniques of controlling the breathing patterns that positively influence the mental and emotional responses. The conscious and slow breathing activates the cerebral cortex that relaxes the mind and soothes the area concerned with emotions.
Develop Spiritual faculties: The rhythmic breathing helps a yoga practitioner unfold the spiritual path. Through pranayama, we gain control over the prana and also master our inner nature-- our true and original shine.
Learn and understand the importance of breath and various pranayama techniques and navigate your life towards a higher elevation.
Author Bio- Bipin Baloni is a yoga teacher from India. His core specialization is in hatha and asthanga Yoga. He is a registered Yoga teacher who provides 200,300 and 500 hour yoga teacher training in rishikesh, India.
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Filed in: externally authored, yoga
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