Importance of Breath in Yoga

February 09, 2013

Yoga is being seen more and more as a means of merely exercising the body and keeping it slim. Breathing which is the most important aspect of traditional yoga like hatha yoga is being overlooked. Without breathing in the correct way when undergoing yoga asanas the benefits of the asana will only be superficial. Breath is the vital force that energizes the body. It helps to harmonize the body, mind, and spirit and when all three aspects are in harmony then healing and immunity will ensue naturally.

Somehow we have forgotten how to breathe in a deep and beneficial way through the belly. We all breathe in a shallow way and through the chest. This does not bring oxygenated breath to the lungs fully and so does not circulate in the body with energy.

Yoga in Rishikesh, India

Besides the physical benefits, breath is the source that can take us to through that space where peace is supreme and this can only be achieved through the correct method of breathing which makes us aware of our internal selves. While doing yoga poses we need to concentrate on our breathing and to be aware of each breath while doing the asanas. Once we learn to focus on our breath during asanas we will find it easier to focus on our breathing while meditating too. Meditation and breathing are the main tools of yoga that will lead us to self-realization.

Besides the benefits of breathing on the mind and spirit, correct breathing also offers health benefits like lowering blood pressure, improving the functions of the lungs and heart. Ujjayi is known as victorious breath as well as psychic breath and so it helps to lower blood pressure and also helps to combat psychosomatic diseases since it energizes the mind in a beneficial way.

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