Breathing For Life

breathing is an integral part of life. It is our breath only which is known as “PRANA” means the vital force which runs our life and distinguish dead and alive. There is a close relationship between our mind and breath. Our mind works constantly, it is known as Manomaya Kosh(Sheath) in yogic texts. It is a place of feelings and emotions. The imbalance of this sheath gives birth to “ADHIS” means primary diseases which are the root cause of secondary diseases.

Psychological stress is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, strokes, cancers, arthritis and depression. There is a connection between our nervous endocrine and immune system. Long years ago,our sages discovered that breath is the only medium to gain mastery over the mind and they introduced “Pranayama”

The meaning of prana is the vital force running the life and ayama means to get control over and to regulate it. We can increase the level of prana with the practice of deep breathing.
As cells are the basic functional and structural unit for the life and need constant energy , higher levels of prana in body reduce stress on cells and help in proper functioning of all the systems of body.

Posture is very important part of breathing. Keeping yourself straight with wide shoulders without any stiffness give respiratory muscles proper ground for expansion and contraction.

Alternate nostril breathing also known as Anulom-vilom pranayam involves breathing through the left and right nostril alternatively. There is a method known as Belly breathing or abdominal breathing in which inflation of belly happens after deep inhalation and while exhaling the air ,belly goes in. Both the techniques stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system which is Rest and Digest system of body. Also studies have proven reduction in stress hormone cortisol in people following regular breathing practices. As our brain has control over breathing through centers on medulla oblongata, thus these practices are important part of mindfulness and awareness.