Dealing With the Human Mind
Created By Dinaz Darukhanawala On 12 May, 2009
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Added By Dinaz Darukhanawala On May 12, 2009, 11:58 pm
Country: India
My Experience: Yoga Teacher, 8 years
Description:
THE YOGIC BREATH: We breathe using three sets of muscles; the clavicular muscles (collar bone), the intercostal muscles (between the ribs) and the diaphragm (muscle attached to the sternum/breast bone and the lower ribs).
Babies breathe using the diaphragm and this is the most relaxed and natural way to breathe. As we grow we tend to start using the intercostals/ chest to breathe, which puts more pressure on the heart. Also the chest breathing occurs naturally during emergencies when more oxygen is required by the body. When we constantly breathe using the chest, the extra oxygen is not used by the body. This creates a warning light / emergency signal, which continues to flash in the brain leading to stress and hypertension. We should consciously breathe using the diaphragm as much as possible.
A Full Yogic Breath involves the use of all three sets of muscles. The essence of pranayama is to breathe effortlessly; your inhalation should merge with retention, retention should merge with exhalation and exhalation should merge into suspension or holding your breath outside. The breath is usually smooth, rhythmic and long during the practice of pranayama. Pranayama is most effective when done in a calm frame of mind.
Description:
THE YOGIC BREATH: We breathe using three sets of muscles; the clavicular muscles (collar bone), the intercostal muscles (between the ribs) and the diaphragm (muscle attached to the sternum/breast bone and the lower ribs).
Babies breathe using the diaphragm and this is the most relaxed and natural way to breathe. As we grow we tend to start using the intercostals/ chest to breathe, which puts more pressure on the heart. Also the chest breathing occurs naturally during emergencies when more oxygen is required by the body. When we constantly breathe using the chest, the extra oxygen is not used by the body. This creates a warning light / emergency signal, which continues to flash in the brain leading to stress and hypertension. We should consciously breathe using the diaphragm as much as possible.
A Full Yogic Breath involves the use of all three sets of muscles. The essence of pranayama is to breathe effortlessly; your inhalation should merge with retention, retention should merge with exhalation and exhalation should merge into suspension or holding your breath outside. The breath is usually smooth, rhythmic and long during the practice of pranayama. Pranayama is most effective when done in a calm frame of mind.