| Breathing is such an unconscious act that you may not | | | | opposed to the fight and flight stress response which |
| be aware of just how complex and important | | | | generally governs your life. Prana is then able to flow |
| breathing relaxation exercises are. Learning how to | | | | freely through your body in subtle energy channels |
| breathe well is one of the most important lessons you | | | | which in yogic terms are known as "nadis". There are |
| will learn when you start yoga. | | | | approximately 72,000 nadis in your body, if this term is |
| On a basic level, breathing allows you to draw in | | | | unfamiliar to you, imagine a major railway system in |
| oxygen into your body, eliminate toxins and bacteria | | | | your body. The nadis can be viewed as the train lines |
| which impede your body's ability to function correctly. | | | | tracks. So, to ensure your breath travels through all the |
| From a yogic perspective, breathing well allows you to | | | | rail lines, you need to breathe correctly. |
| create a greater sense of harmony, balance and | | | | How to do Breathing Exercises |
| control over your mind. The deeper you breathe the | | | | To breathe correctly, you need to lie down on your |
| more space and energy you create in your body and | | | | back with your lower back supported and arms |
| the more in touch you become with your spirit. Yoga | | | | comfortably resting by your side with your legs straight |
| philosophy teaches you that your breath is intrinsically | | | | out along the floor (unless you have a bad back or |
| connected with your life energy, life force or as it is | | | | pain in your lower back, then bend your knees and |
| known in yoga "prana". It is your life force that gives | | | | have your feet flat on the floor) and focus on your |
| you energy, the ability to do what you do, to eat, to | | | | breath. Breathe in, slowly and fully in and out through |
| socialise, work, and do everything you have to do in | | | | your nose. Alternatively, sit on a chair, make sure your |
| your daily life. | | | | back is straight and away from the back of the chair, |
| Learning how to breathe well helps to activate, | | | | have your feet flat on the floor and rest your hands |
| stimulate and rebalance your energy. You can use | | | | on your lap, tune into your breath and start to breathe |
| deep breathing exercises to energise your body, calm | | | | consciously in and out through your nose. |
| your mind or bring balance into your heart. Your breath | | | | You can also practice deep breathing exercises |
| is the link between your mind and your body. If you are | | | | standing up. To do this, stand in the mountain pose |
| like most of the population, chances are you do not | | | | (feet facing forward, tail bone tucked under, spine |
| make use of your full breathing apparatus when you | | | | straight, head straight up as if you are hanging from |
| breathe. Have you noticed how deeply and smoothly a | | | | the ceiling from your crown). Place your hands on your |
| baby breathes; their tummy moves in and out as they | | | | belly and focus on breathing deeply in and out through |
| sleep. In adulthood, we tend to breathe very shallowly | | | | your nose, being aware of the movement of your |
| and fail to maximise our full breathing potential. | | | | hands. |
| When you breathe deeply and fully you activate the | | | | As you can see with patience and practice, you can |
| parasympathetic nervous system. This allows the rest | | | | learn how to calm, relax and energise your mind, body |
| and digest response to filter through your body - as | | | | and spirit through deep breathing exercises. |