Breathing (Respiration)
Breath is the first and last act of our life. Breathing is so simple and so obvious we often take it for granted; ignoring the power it has to affect the body, mind and spirit. With each inhalation, we bring oxygen in to the body and spark the transformation of nutrients into fuel. Each exhale purges the body of carbon dioxide, a toxic waste. At all times correct breath patterns are practiced and observed before commencing yoga.
Breathing affects our state of mind. It can make us excited or calm, tense or relaxed. It can make our thinking confused or clear. Air is the primary source of prana or life force, a psycho-physio- spiritual force that permeates the universe. Breath is the secret of our life. Correct breathing alone can relax your whole body, rid your body of unwanted toxins and rid your mind of anger, stress, tension and worry.
Deep breathing helps to cleanse and nourish the physical body. As you inhale fully, you are supplying an abundance of oxygen, an element that is essential to every cell in the body. Oxygen is the most vital nutrient for our bodies. It is essential for the integrity of brain, nerves, glands and internal organs. The brain requires more oxygen than any other organ. Poor oxygen supply affects all parts of the body. Any effort to increase the supply of oxygen to our body and especially to the brain will pay rich dividends.
Our ordinary perceptions of breathing are quite limited. In general most of us are unaware of how the breathing process works. In normal respiration air is taken through the nostrils without any special effort, sound or exaggerated moment of nose or chest and done unconsciously. We are not aware of air travelling through our nostrils. Regulation of breath or Breath control is a skill, which need to be acquired through proper training and practice. It awakens the brain and cerebrospinal nerve centres, in total the whole individual to its limitless potential.