The Power of Yogic Breathing

Here is the second article by Sangeeta Uppaladinni

The Origin of Yogic Breathing

Yoga has been purported to have evolved from the ‘Sat Yuga’ period which was also called the Golden Age in India. This ‘Sat Yuga’ period was believed to have existed almost 26,000 years ago and during this golden era, Yoga evolved, and all the religions of India incorporated this holistic method into their daily regime. Yoga is actually a Sanskrit word, which traditionally means ‘Yuj’ (to join), which infers that one’s Self is united with the Universal Spirit or Consciousness by adopting this practise.

One important aspect of Yoga is the Pranayama exercise. This is a breathing exercise which helps to invigorate the mind, body and soul. The Yoga gurus since yore understood that the human body needs a sufficient supply of oxygen to the blood and brain which would therefore improve the body’s vital life force of the Prana. Prana literally means 'life force' and Ayama means – control. So this Yogic breathing exercise is a practise of controlled breathing techniques which are designed to help maintain the health of our body. Pranayama is also a precursor to any form of meditation as it helps prepare oneself.

Ancient yogis made a discovery that we don’t breathe through both nostrils at the same time and that each of our nostrils share characteristics of brain hemisphere dominance. For example, when we breathe through the left nostril, the right side of the brain which controls creative activity is dominant and when we breathe through the right nostril our left brain which controls logical verbal activity is dominant.

Medical science corroborates this fact as scientists suggest too that we do not breathe equally through both nostrils and that one nostril is more easier to breathe through than the other nostril, and that the nasal cycle corresponds with the brain function. A focus group were studied and when the subjects left nostril was obstructed, the right side of the brain was predominant and the subjects did better on the creative tasks. Similarly, when the right nostril was obstructed, the subjects demonstrated better verbal skills.

Nadi Sodhana (Alternate Nostril Breathing) – an exercise
Ancient Yogis developed various exercises to ensure that we alternate between each nostril when we do the breathing. This particular exercise helps to revitalise one’s vital channels of energy, hence the name ‘Nadi Sodhana’ – purification of nadis or channels. The health benefits are astounding when done on a regular basis. For example, this technique helps to expand the lungs, which helps to decrease the intensity of asthma attacks, and in some cases, even curing it! This is a simple yogic breathing exercise that can be done at anytime wherever you may be. It is a technique which is paramount to facilitating the flow of Prana. Yoga breathing exercises are performed sitting down on a chair with the spine, neck and head in a straight line. Or one can sit on a rug in the Yoga Lotus Pose if preferred.

The procedure

1.  Close the right nostril with your right thumb and inhale through the left nostril to the count of four seconds 1-2-3-4…

2.  Retain the air in the lungs to another count of four seconds 1-2-3-4 whilst holding your breath.

3.  Immediately close the left nostril with your left thumb and exhale through the right nostril. Do this to the count of four seconds 1-2-3-4.

4.  After exhaling pause and count to another four seconds 1-2-3-4

5.  Now keeping your left thumb still closing your left nostril, inhale back up through the right nostril to the count of four 1-2-3-4. Then repeat steps one to four alternating the right nostril for the left nostril. You will find that this is like a cycle and hence called a nasal cycle.Do this for as long as you want to and you can even increase the number count of seconds for each step once you feel comfortable to do so.

Incorporating this technique into our daily lives would benefit us in the following ways:

• This creates a more balanced person, since both halves of the brain are functioning property.

•  Releases acute and chronic muscular tensions around the heart and digestive organs

• Helps sufferers of respiratory illnesses such as asthma and emphysema

• Benefits the cardio-vascular system

• Dramatically reduces emotional and nervous anxiety

• Improves detoxification through increased exchange of carbon dioxide and oxygen

• Aids distribution of energy to the endocrine system

The Ancient Yogis knew the importance of correct breathing and developed techniques not only to increase health and life span, but also to attain super conscious states.  Yogic breathing is an element which prepares oneself before meditation apart from the other health benefits associated with this breathing technique. However, proper breathing should also be practiced and must be done habitually.

 

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Please Note: The above mentioned exercise should be done without straining oneself. Practise the technique in a smooth and easy manner. Alternate breathing techniques should NOT be done if you are suffering from a cold or if your nasal cavities are congested in any way. Forced breathing through the nose may lead to complications. Yogic breathing techniques dictate that nothing should be forced, but performed slowly and with ease. If you are unsure of any practice, consult your doctor before trying. Diana Jarvis and the authors will not be held responsible for any techniques you try from this site.