Post by Sarah Swindlehurst on Oct 3, 2009 17:38:26 GMT
THE IMPORTANCE OF BREATHING –FOR MIND BODY & SPIRIT
Picture a sheet of wax paper. After you scrunch it together and pull it back, the appearance changes. In reality, it has also become slightly smaller. The same thing happens to your breathing cavity when you hold your breath or tense up, as you have done many times throughout your life. In breathing sessions, the emotions from old traumas are finally resolved which allows for greater expansion of the diaphragm. It's like stretching out the wax paper and making it like new. You will notice a significant difference after the first session.
Exercise is good for the body. Aside from helping to tone our muscles, there is an important lymphatic function happening. The lymph system is responsible for the removal of toxins that build up in our systems. It is activated through motion. Every time you are taking a deep breath, your diaphragm is moving up and down. This motion not only helps to activate the lymph system but it also helps exercise our individual internal organs.
Aside from the numerous physiological benefits of increased respiratory function as detailed in the following quotes, there are many psychological benefits which are crucial for timely and complete healing. As you continue a routine practice of conscious connected breathing, deep peace and understanding will increase. There is no question that the reduction of stress and anxiety is ultimately one of the most important factors in healing.
In the field of mental health, there are many benefits derived from conscious connected breathing. In cases of chemical, hormonal imbalances and nervous disorders, the increased oxygenation has profound healing effects.
Here are a few Pranayama (Breathing) techniques to practice:
Bhastrika
(Bellows Breath)
Sit on Padmasana. Keep the body, neck and head erect. Close the mouth. Next, inhale and exhale quickly ten times like the bellows of the blacksmith. Constantly dilate and contract. When you practise this Pranayama a hissing sound is produced. The practitioner should start with rapid expulsions of breath following one another in rapid succession. When the required number of expulsions, say ten for a round, is finished, the final expulsion is followed by a deepest possible inhalation. The breath is suspended as long as it could be done with comfort. Then deepest possible exhalation is done very slowly. The end of this deep exhalation completes one round of Bhastrika. Rest a while after one round is over by taking a few normal breaths.
What good can this do?
• Very good for the respiratory system including the diaphragm and the bronchial tubes.
• Improves function of digestive organs.
• Helps reducing excess fat in the abdominal region.
• Helps relieves inflammation of the throat, increases gastric fire, destroys phlegm, removes diseases of the nose and chest and eradicates asthma, consumption, etc
Sheetali
(Cooling Breath)
Sit comfortably in any meditative posture. Sit erect. Keep both palms on the knees. Draw out the tongue. Roll it up from the sides to form a tube like opening. Slowly suck the air through it and fill the lungs completely. After full inhalation withdraw the tongue and close the mouth. Hold the breath for sometime and then slowly exhale through the nose. Repeat required number of times.
What good can this do?
• Useful in treating fever.
• Good for liver, spleen, and is a good blood purifier.
• Reduces tension and high blood pressure.
• Cools the nervous system.
Bhramari
(Bee Breath)
Sit comfortably in any meditative posture. Sit erect. Inhale slowly and deeply through the nose. Let the inhalation caress the throat area. Then gently plug the ears with the respective index fingers and closed eyes. Exhale slowly producing a long and continuous humming sound. Enjoy the sound and vibrations produced during these breathing techniques.
What good can this do?
• Promotes a clear voice and is recommended for singers.
• Beneficial for pregnant women and in labour preparation.
• Makes an impact on the mind, producing peace and joy.
Nadi Shodhan
(Alternate nostril Breath)
Sit comfortably in any meditative posture. Sit erect. Be calm and close your eyes. Close the right nostril with the right thumb. Now inhale slowly through the left nostril and fill your lungs. After complete inhalation, press the left nostril with the ring finger of the right hand and close the left nostril. Open the right nostril, exhale slowly. After complete exhalation, again inhale through the right nostril and fill your lungs. Close the right nostril by pressing it with the right thumb. After opening the left nostril, breathe out slowly. This process is one round of Nadi Shudhi Pranayama.
What good can this do?
• Cleanses and tones up entire nervous system.
• People suffering from cough and cold benefit greatly.
• Heart is strengthened.
• Blocked nostrils are cleared.
• Removes mental tension and worries.
• Induces feeling of peace.
Sarah Swindlehurst - www.essenceyoga.co.uk
Picture a sheet of wax paper. After you scrunch it together and pull it back, the appearance changes. In reality, it has also become slightly smaller. The same thing happens to your breathing cavity when you hold your breath or tense up, as you have done many times throughout your life. In breathing sessions, the emotions from old traumas are finally resolved which allows for greater expansion of the diaphragm. It's like stretching out the wax paper and making it like new. You will notice a significant difference after the first session.
Exercise is good for the body. Aside from helping to tone our muscles, there is an important lymphatic function happening. The lymph system is responsible for the removal of toxins that build up in our systems. It is activated through motion. Every time you are taking a deep breath, your diaphragm is moving up and down. This motion not only helps to activate the lymph system but it also helps exercise our individual internal organs.
Aside from the numerous physiological benefits of increased respiratory function as detailed in the following quotes, there are many psychological benefits which are crucial for timely and complete healing. As you continue a routine practice of conscious connected breathing, deep peace and understanding will increase. There is no question that the reduction of stress and anxiety is ultimately one of the most important factors in healing.
In the field of mental health, there are many benefits derived from conscious connected breathing. In cases of chemical, hormonal imbalances and nervous disorders, the increased oxygenation has profound healing effects.
Here are a few Pranayama (Breathing) techniques to practice:
Bhastrika
(Bellows Breath)
Sit on Padmasana. Keep the body, neck and head erect. Close the mouth. Next, inhale and exhale quickly ten times like the bellows of the blacksmith. Constantly dilate and contract. When you practise this Pranayama a hissing sound is produced. The practitioner should start with rapid expulsions of breath following one another in rapid succession. When the required number of expulsions, say ten for a round, is finished, the final expulsion is followed by a deepest possible inhalation. The breath is suspended as long as it could be done with comfort. Then deepest possible exhalation is done very slowly. The end of this deep exhalation completes one round of Bhastrika. Rest a while after one round is over by taking a few normal breaths.
What good can this do?
• Very good for the respiratory system including the diaphragm and the bronchial tubes.
• Improves function of digestive organs.
• Helps reducing excess fat in the abdominal region.
• Helps relieves inflammation of the throat, increases gastric fire, destroys phlegm, removes diseases of the nose and chest and eradicates asthma, consumption, etc
Sheetali
(Cooling Breath)
Sit comfortably in any meditative posture. Sit erect. Keep both palms on the knees. Draw out the tongue. Roll it up from the sides to form a tube like opening. Slowly suck the air through it and fill the lungs completely. After full inhalation withdraw the tongue and close the mouth. Hold the breath for sometime and then slowly exhale through the nose. Repeat required number of times.
What good can this do?
• Useful in treating fever.
• Good for liver, spleen, and is a good blood purifier.
• Reduces tension and high blood pressure.
• Cools the nervous system.
Bhramari
(Bee Breath)
Sit comfortably in any meditative posture. Sit erect. Inhale slowly and deeply through the nose. Let the inhalation caress the throat area. Then gently plug the ears with the respective index fingers and closed eyes. Exhale slowly producing a long and continuous humming sound. Enjoy the sound and vibrations produced during these breathing techniques.
What good can this do?
• Promotes a clear voice and is recommended for singers.
• Beneficial for pregnant women and in labour preparation.
• Makes an impact on the mind, producing peace and joy.
Nadi Shodhan
(Alternate nostril Breath)
Sit comfortably in any meditative posture. Sit erect. Be calm and close your eyes. Close the right nostril with the right thumb. Now inhale slowly through the left nostril and fill your lungs. After complete inhalation, press the left nostril with the ring finger of the right hand and close the left nostril. Open the right nostril, exhale slowly. After complete exhalation, again inhale through the right nostril and fill your lungs. Close the right nostril by pressing it with the right thumb. After opening the left nostril, breathe out slowly. This process is one round of Nadi Shudhi Pranayama.
What good can this do?
• Cleanses and tones up entire nervous system.
• People suffering from cough and cold benefit greatly.
• Heart is strengthened.
• Blocked nostrils are cleared.
• Removes mental tension and worries.
• Induces feeling of peace.
Sarah Swindlehurst - www.essenceyoga.co.uk
