IMPORTANCE OF BREATH
Right from the moment of our birth to the final moment of death, the only activity we do consciously or unconsciously but continuously is breathing. It is simple and obvious; we often take it for granted ignoring its power. With each inhalation we supply oxygen into the body and spark the transformation nutrients into fuel. Each exhalation purges the body of carbon dioxide, a toxic waste. If we can master this one activity, we can achieve mastery over whole life. Ancient yogi's observed that slow breathing animals like elephant, tortoise....have long life span. Fast breathing animals like rabbit; dog.... have short life span. This observation enabled them to realize the importance of slow breathing.
Slow, steady, deep and rhythmic breathing extend the life span of a person. Rate of breathing change with circumstances. Due to emotional disturbances the rate of breathing increases, where as if one is calm the breathing automatically slows down. This art of breathing can be mastered or practiced by pranayama. Pranayama means the systematic way of exhalation, inhalation and retention.
The process of observing the breath itself will help to calm down the mind. Just focus the mind consciously on breath; automatically speed of breath will come down. Focusing on breath consciously will help to relax the mind and body. Coordination between mind, body and breath will relieve the tensions, stress at the mind level. It makes the lung flexible, strong, purifies the blood and heart becomes strong, healthy.
The body gets sufficient quantity of oxygen making us more energetic. It will have positive impact on brain. At emotional level it calms the mind during situations of stress and sorrow. It makes us to accept pain and joy with equanimity.
Breathing
influences the activities of each and every cells of the body. Human beings
breathe about 15 times per minute and 21,600 times per day. Respiration fuels
the burning of oxygen and glucose, producing energy to the activities of the
body. Slow breathing rates keep the heart stronger and active. Regular practice
of breathing will increases strength and will power.
Breathing
exercises plays a very important role in our life. Respiratory system connects
between the body and mind. The system involves both voluntary as well as
involuntary. We can change the involuntary functions by using the voluntary
control. Correct breathing pattern normalizes the breathing rate and breathing
will be uniform, continuous and rhythmic.
Sukha Pranayma:
Sit in a comfortable posture, keep the back straight, gently close the eyes. Just watch and be aware of breath, let it be normal and effortless breathing. Sensitize the breath and feel the breath. While inhaling feel the lightness in the body and while exhaling feel the relaxation throughout the body. Practice this simple breathing exercise whenever you get time for few minutes. This is the simplest way of relaxing the mind and body.
Sukha Pranayma:
Sit in a comfortable posture, keep the back straight, gently close the eyes. Just watch and be aware of breath, let it be normal and effortless breathing. Sensitize the breath and feel the breath. While inhaling feel the lightness in the body and while exhaling feel the relaxation throughout the body. Practice this simple breathing exercise whenever you get time for few minutes. This is the simplest way of relaxing the mind and body.
There are several types of breathing exercises:
- Hands in and out breathing
- Hands stretch breathing
- Trikonasana breathing
- Ankle stretch breathing
- Dog breathing
- Rabbit breathing
- Tiger breathing
- Sasankasana breathing
- Bhujangasana breathing
- Salabasana breathing
- Setubandhasana breathing
- Navasana breathing
- Straight Leg Raise Breathing ( Alternate Legs only )
- Straight leg raise breathing ( Both legs )
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