The Power of Breath

Do you ever think about your breathing?  It’s fundamental in keeping us alive and something that we do consistently - every minute of every day, with or without awareness.  The majority of people breath unconsciously, like I used to. “It has been estimated that approximately one-third of people don’t breathe well enough to sustain normal health.” 1

In yoga, breathing is referred to as yogic breathing or Pranayama meaning– prana - ‘life force’ or ‘energy source’ and yama meaning ‘control’ or ‘restraint’.  This life force is a foundational component of a yoga practice as breath is synchronized with moments and allows for deep relaxation.  

Before I became interested in yoga, I never thought much about my breath beyond knowing it was there and kept me alive.  During my first couple of yoga classes, I found the emphasis on breath to be quite bazaar. I didn’t get it until I started to notice how I felt after taking a full deep breath, especially during the long exhalation.  I started paying attention to my breath off my yoga mat- seeing what an incredible tool it is when done correctly and its positive impact on my well-being. 

After this aha moment, I had to train myself to breath properly because like most people, I was breathing through my mouth and nose, and not engaging my diaphragm and abdomen-meaning I sucked in my abdomen during my inhalation.  When you breathe this way, it’s impossible to completely fill your lungs with fresh oxygen-missing out on supplying your body with extra oxygen.   Your mouth is not meant for breathing-it’s for eating, talking and kissing.  Your nose is your breathing apparatus for a reason-it has two passages for control and tiny nasal hairs that filter air.  Nasal breathing allows you to breathe in a controlled, slow and steady manner.  Breathing through your mouth is like trying to take a sip of water from a fire hydrant—it’s too much and too fast and typical of over-breathing or hyperventilating. 

Take a moment to notice your breath.  If you feel that you are not breathing with your abdomen and diaphragm, then you need to learn how and it takes practice.  

How to practice proper breathing

Take a breath break a few times a day (set the alarm on your phone for reminders) by stopping what you are doing and being still.  Straighten your back, inhale a deep breath through your nose, mouth softly closed, and allow your abdomen and chest to expand-this should take about 5 -7 seconds.  Keeping your mouth closed, slowly exhale by allowing your belly and chest relax, this should also take 5-7 seconds.  Your breaths should be slow, smooth and gentle.  Do 3-4 rounds.   

Your breath is an excellent barometer for your mood.    If you are upset-your breath might be shallow and rapid; if you depressed, your breath may be barely noticeable.  Remember a time when you were upset, bawling your eyes out kind of upset?  What was happening to your breath?  You were probably gasping for air and found it almost impossible to breathe regularly.  When we see someone in this state, what do we usually say to them?    “Take a few deep breaths.”  Why do we say this?  It’s intuitive because we know that it will calm the person down.

Benefits of Deep Breathing 

Improved immunity by fully oxygenating the body 

Decreasing stress by slowing down the heart 

Stimulating the lymphatic system and releasing toxins from the body 

Improved sleep by quieting the mind

Improved digestion because digestive organs are functioning optimally  

Your physical and emotional health will improve if you master proper breathing.  It’s also a great tool that you can use for free and at any time to bring yourself into the present moment.

Be well.

Anita

Resources:

1.  Benefits of Nose Breathing. Adapted from Graham, T (2012) 

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

Improper breathing is a common cause of ill health. If I had to limit my advice on healthier living to just one tip, it would be simply to learn how to breathe correctly. There is no single more powerful -or more simple- daily practice to further your health and well being than breathwork.

Dr. Andrew Weil

DISCLAIMER; The information provided on County Yoga Loft’s website blog is for general health care informational purposes only. All information on the site is provided in good faith, however it should not be considered to replace consultation or advice from a physician and/or other healthcare practitioner.  The use or reliance of any information contained on this site  is solely at your own risk.