Daily Times

Yogic breathing enhances the cell’s efficiency in relieving the body of waste.

Studies have shown the uniqueness of yogic breathing can heal and revive the body from ailments; expelling toxicity.

We give little attention to breathing as it is a natural phenomenon of involuntary action of inhaling and exhaling. However, it is also a complicated biochemical process.

Every cell in the body is dependent on breathing for its life. The quality of breathing also determines the health of each and every cell in the body. The quality of breathing is not just dependent on the external environment but also on the internal breathing process.

In common understanding, breathing is only a respiratory process. We often ignore its link to the circulatory system and the metabolic process. Energy is released from foods during chemical breakdown and waste is produced in the form of water and carbon dioxide. This is what we call metabolism. Inhalation brings oxygen into the body and exhalation drives the waste out. Yogic breathing enhances the cell’s efficiency in relieving the body of waste.

The ancient Vedic scriptures called this vital force, “Prana,” that flows through the entire physical body.

Every cell in the body is dependent on breathing for its life. The quality of breathing also determines the health of each and every cell in the body

In fact, Vedic philosophers believed that there was an intangible “breath body” like our tangible (physical) body. The “breath body” was said to control vital functions in the body, which include the flow of vitality (Prana) and elimination of waste (Apana). Controlling the inhalation and exhalation is called “Pranayama,” a word often heard in yoga classes. It is meant to control all that is connected with the vital force.

Unknowingly, we alter breathing patterns and tend to deprive the body of the most potent vitality and metabolism.

To improve the quality of breathing, it is important to consider both the external environment and internal processes.

An act of a deep inhalation can bring in almost 2.0 litres of air from the atmosphere into the lungs. Thus, outside air has a great impact on the heart’s exposure to polluted air. Cities are densely fumed with air pollutants. It is, therefore, important to look for breathing spaces in green parks and natural environments. City dwellers should consider going into nature frequently for better air quality. It is commendable that most restaurants and indoor public buildings prohibit smoking. However, it is best to stay away from smokers.

A Readers Digest study compiled by Susan Perry, “Taking Charge of Blood Pressure,” stated that “second-hand cigarette smoke is not filtered and contains a much higher concentration of tar, nicotine and more than 4000 other (toxic) compounds.”

Additionally, the air inside homes should be kept clean and pure. One should minimise the use of household cleaning chemicals, containing harmful substances, including formaldehyde, which become the cause of respiratory illnesses. Abandoning air freshener sprays helps improve the quality of air. The inhalation volume runs parallel to exhalation capacity. A deep inhalation is followed by a deep exhalation, and we can breathe out the same amount: 2.0 litres of air.

In fact, lungs would still not be fully empty and continue to hold almost an equal amount of carbon dioxide. This is where yogic breathing is most effective. There are many techniques of inhalation and exhalation in yoga. However, most of them need to be practised with a trained teacher.

The breathing exercises can bring physiological changes, almost instantly. Not every type of breathing is suitable for all. Practitioners may be cautioned to try different breathing exercises in a group setting. For example, Bastrika and Kapalbati are unsuitable for high blood pressure patients or heart patients. Additionally, certain breathing exercises can alter mental states. People with depression, weight issues ought to seek a customized program of Pranayama.

Two basic and easy-to-follow breathing principles could be safely practised by anyone. First, practice abdominal breathing by expanding your belly each time you inhale and deflate the belly with exhalation. This activates the diaphragm by drawing air into the lowest and largest part of the lungs. Abdominal breathing improves emotional control and equanimity.

Second, slowing down the breathing is the key to soothing the central nervous system. Hyper breaths stimulate hormones igniting fight or flight responses. The more relaxed the body is, the more efficient the cells and brain are.

As BKS Iyengar said, “Breath is the king of mind.”

The author is a wellness and yoga expert