Breath – the only thing that’s with you from the moment you are born to the moment you die. There is no doubt that breathing is much powerful than anything you have. It is also a vital part of the yogic tradition.
Deep breathing unites your body and mind. It changes how you feel on a physical, mental, and emotional level. Breathing plays a vital role in the physiological processes of your body. Let us now understand what makes breathing such an important part of yogic practices.
The Vital Role of Breathing In Yoga
Breathing is what makes yoga, yoga! The original yoga centuries ago had only meditation and Pranayama. The physical asanas practice came later. Asanas came to be the sole method of helping yogis achieve an optimal rate of breathing. The Yoga Alliance certificate can help you learn about deep breathing and yoga.
Now it is time we understand why it is so important to combine breathing with yoga.
3 Reasons to Practice Breathing in Yoga
There are many benefits to including deep breathing exercises with yoga practice.
Yoga experts have come up with 3 solid reasons you should practice breathing in yoga.
1.Decreased Physiological Stress
Deep breathing increases the activity of Vagus nerve. This nerve is the main component of your PNS (Parasympathetic Nervous System). Vagus nerve also controls and measures the activity of various internal organs.
It helps your body enter a state of calm through muscle relaxation and decreased blood pressure. With the body in a relaxed state the Vagus nerve sends a signal to your brain to relax.
2. Improved Mental Focus & Clarity
When you focus on inhale and exhale, you think of nothing else. It is only about being in the present moment. Deep breathing in yoga helps you “see” your thoughts and just observe them. It helps you enter a state of non-judgment.
Doing this helps you get in tune with your mental and emotional state. In the long run you develop the ability to act from a place of clarity and focus. Sign up for the Yoga Alliance certification to learn proper yoga breathing techniques
3.Prevents Injury
In accidents it is the one with a relaxed body and mind who stand a chance at survival. Similar is the effect of daily yoga practice. Deep breathing while practicing yoga signals your body that you are in a safe space. This loosens up the muscles and helps you practice challenging yoga asanas.
To reap these benefits you have to practice the right yogic breathing techniques.
Powerful Yogic Breathing Exercises
Given below are 3 powerful yogic breathing exercises you can do.
1.Alternate Nostril Breathing
This breathing technique helps you balance the Ida and Pingala nadis. Alternate Nostril breathing helps you achieve and maintain harmony in the body. It is the best yogic breathing method to cool down and relax. You can do this when starting a meditation session or after ending the yoga practice.
2.Ujjayi Pranayama
The most commonly practiced deep yogic breathing technique is Ujjayi Pranayama. The other name for this breathing technique is ocean breath. Sign up for the Yoga Alliance certificate to learn and practice this yogic technique under guidance of experienced yoga teachers.
3.Breath Retention
Breath Retention is a cooling breathing technique that is excellent when done with meditation. You can practice this deep breathing even after completing a Vinyasa flow class. Holding your breath for shorter duration expands the breathing capacity of your lungs. It helps you breathe a little extra and provide more oxygen to the body.
Do you know how the life-force flows through your body? Keep reading to know the answer.
How Prana Moves Through the Body?
The 3 nadis in your body are:
Ida – Dominates the left side of your body. This contains feminine energy. Ida nadi is connected with the moon.
Pingala – Pingala nadi dominates the right side of your body. This is masculine energy and offers a heating effect.
Sushumna – This yoga nadi starts at the base of your spine. It extends up to the crown of your head.
Yoga Pranayama balances the Ida and Pingala nadi. It helps bring the Sushumna nadi to a state of equilibrium. Conscious breathing and Pranayama activate the Sushumna for longer periods.
Keep in mind that Prana is not breath. Breath is the predominant element that moves this sacred life-force throughout your body. You consume Prana through food, and being closer to nature.
Conclusion
Do you want to understand how breathing works in yoga? Sign up for Yoga Alliance certification to learn the deeper connection between yoga and breathing.
