Breathing

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Proper Breathing is one of the 5 fundamental points of Yoga as taught by Swami

Vishnu-devananda founder/Guru of the International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta

Centers.

 

Anuloma Viloma - The Alternate Nostril Breathing

 

Proper Breathing

 

Most people use only a fraction of their lung capacity for breathing. They

breathe shallowly,

barely expanding the ribcage. Their shoulders are hunched, they have painful

tension in the

upper part of the back and neck, and they suffer from lack of oxygen. They

should learn the

full Yogic breathing.

 

The Different Types of Breathing

 

There are three basic types of breathing.

 

1.Clavicular breathing is the most shallow and worst possible type. The

shoulders and

collarbone are raised while the abdomen is contracted during inhalation. Maximum

effort is

made, but a minimum amount of air is obtained.

2.Thoracic breathing is done with the rib muscles expanding the rib cage, and

is the

second type of incomplete breathing.

3.Deep abdominal breathing is the best, for it brings air to the lowest and

largest part

of the lungs. Breathing is slow and deep, and proper use is made of the

diaphragm.

 

Actually, none of these types are complete. A full Yogic breath combines all

three, beginning

with a deep breath and continuing the inhalation through the intercostal and

clavicular

areas.

 

Learning The Abdominal Breathing

 

To get the feel of proper diaphragmatic breathing, wear loose clothing and lie

on the back.

Place the hand on the upper abdomen, where the diaphragm is located. Breathe in

and out

slowly. The abdomen should expand outward as you inhale and contract as you

exhale. Try to

get the feeling of this motion.

 

Learning The Full Yogic Breathing

 

Once you feel proficient in the practice of the abdominal breathing you will be

ready to

learn the Full Yogic Breathing. Breathe in slowly, expand the abdomen, then the

ribcage, and

finally the upper portion of the lungs. Then, breathe out in the same manner,

letting the

abdomen cave in as you exhale. This is the Yogic complete breath.

 

Pranayama

 

By far the most important thing about good breathing is the Prana, or subtle

energy of the

vital breath. Control of the Prana leads to control of the mind. Breathing

exercises are

called Pranayamas, which means to control the Prana.

 

The two main Pranayamas taught in the Sivananda Ashrams and Centers are

Kapalabhati and

Anuloma Viloma.

 

http://www.sivananda.org/breathin.htm