What determines health? Are the body and mind separate e ntities? Where does one end
and the other begin?
In the ancient texts of Yoga, body and mind are inseparable; the psyche and the soma
intrinsically linked.
Thus we begin to understand the Yogi Philosophy of Breath.
We breath 15,000 to 25,000 times each day. To breathe is to live. And yet it is so much more: Our breath determines our emotional state, it determines our health, our appetite and it determines which side of our brain is in dominance at any one time. Of course the reverse applies - our emotions determine our breath, our appetite, which side of the brain we are using and our health determines our breath.
Action and reaction.
As we’ve determined that Prana is among other things, the breath of the soul and vital energy source, naturally the lungs are important to the Yogi philosophy. As with all organs, the avioli of the lungs transfer some Prana, yet this passage of Prana to the blood depends on specific blood and lung condition. Again, action and reaction.
Using the diaphragmatic Breath.
In the act of inhalation the muscles expand the lungs so that a vacuum is created and the air rushes in, in accordance with the well known law of physics. Success is dependent upon the muscles concerned in the process of respiration which we may term the “respiratory muscles”. Without the aid of these muscles the lungs cannot expand, and the Science of Breath largely depends upon the proper use and control of these muscles.
This “proper control” of these muscles will result in the ability to attain the m aximum degree of lung expansion and the greatest amount of the life giving properties of the air into the system.
Let’s examine some breathing practices
High Breathing
High Breathing is probably the worst form of breathing known to man and requires the
greatest expenditure of energy with the smallest amount of benefit. The ribs are elevated and collarbone and shoulder become raised , at the same time drawing in the abdomen and pushing its contents up against the diaphragm, which in turn is raised. A minimum amount of air enters the lungs and the diaphragm expands minimally.
Mid Breathing
During Mid Breathing the diaphragm is pushed upward and the abdomen drawn in. The ribs are raised somewhat and the chest is partially expanded.
Low Breathing
Otherwise known as “Abdominal Breathing”, “Deep Breathing” or “Diaphragmatic
Breathing” this type of breathing is often wrongly considered to be ‘complete breathing’.
The diaphragm is the great partition muscle, which separates the chest and its contents from the abdomen and what happens is that when we practice “low breathing, we fill only the lower and middle parts of the lungs.
The Complete Yogi Breath
Complete Breathing brings is a co-ordination of the entire respiratory apparatus - every part of the lungs, every air-cell and every respiratory muscle. The entire respiratory organism responds to this method of breathing and the maximum benefit is derived from the minimum expenditure of energy. One of the most important features of this method of breathing is the fact that the respiratory muscles are fully called into play, whereas in the other forms of breathing only a portion of these muscles are so used.
When breathing completely, the lower ribs are controlled by the diaphragm which draws
them slightly downward. While other muscles hold them in place, the intercostal muscles force these lower ribs outward and this combined action then increases the mid chest cavity to open to its maximum expansion. In addition to this muscular action, the upper ribs are also l ifted and forced outward by the intercostal muscles which in turn increases the capacity of the upper chest to its fullest extent.
Taking the air
Despite the fact that breathing is not a conscious response, as we noted above, our bodies are not necessari ly proficient at it. Speaking generally, our participation is passive, particularly as the air passes through the nasal passages. We should concentrate on widening our nostrils during inhalation. To allow them to remain passive lets the lobes of the nose t o close which in turn causes static, uneven and limited flow of air. Even minor irritation to nasal nerves triggers the complete respiratory system into life, and unbelievably,even a 10% increase dilation of nasal passage means about half a million more l itres of air per year to circulate through your body.
“Breath is Life”
Life is absolutely dependent upon the act of breathing. The Oriental and the Occidental agree upon these fundamental principles.
To breathe is to live and without breath there is no life. Not only are the higher animals dependent upon breath for life and health but even the lower forms of animal life must breathe to live and plant life is likewise dependent upon the air for continued existence.
From the first faint breath of the infant to the last gasp of the dying man, it is one long story of continued breathing. Life is but a series of breaths.
Breathing may be considered the most important of all functions of the body for all other functions depend upon it.
Not only are human beings dependant upon ‘breath’ for life and to continue to live, but they are largely dependant upon correct habits of breathing for continued vitality and freedom from disease. Sadly, the actual act of breathing is generally taken for granted, therefore many people remain unaware of the potential for this greater health and vitality.
Taking intelligent control of our breathing power will:
and the other begin?
In the ancient texts of Yoga, body and mind are inseparable; the psyche and the soma
intrinsically linked.
Thus we begin to understand the Yogi Philosophy of Breath.
We breath 15,000 to 25,000 times each day. To breathe is to live. And yet it is so much more: Our breath determines our emotional state, it determines our health, our appetite and it determines which side of our brain is in dominance at any one time. Of course the reverse applies - our emotions determine our breath, our appetite, which side of the brain we are using and our health determines our breath.
Action and reaction.
As we’ve determined that Prana is among other things, the breath of the soul and vital energy source, naturally the lungs are important to the Yogi philosophy. As with all organs, the avioli of the lungs transfer some Prana, yet this passage of Prana to the blood depends on specific blood and lung condition. Again, action and reaction.
Using the diaphragmatic Breath.
In the act of inhalation the muscles expand the lungs so that a vacuum is created and the air rushes in, in accordance with the well known law of physics. Success is dependent upon the muscles concerned in the process of respiration which we may term the “respiratory muscles”. Without the aid of these muscles the lungs cannot expand, and the Science of Breath largely depends upon the proper use and control of these muscles.
This “proper control” of these muscles will result in the ability to attain the m aximum degree of lung expansion and the greatest amount of the life giving properties of the air into the system.
Let’s examine some breathing practices
High Breathing
High Breathing is probably the worst form of breathing known to man and requires the
greatest expenditure of energy with the smallest amount of benefit. The ribs are elevated and collarbone and shoulder become raised , at the same time drawing in the abdomen and pushing its contents up against the diaphragm, which in turn is raised. A minimum amount of air enters the lungs and the diaphragm expands minimally.
Mid Breathing
During Mid Breathing the diaphragm is pushed upward and the abdomen drawn in. The ribs are raised somewhat and the chest is partially expanded.
Low Breathing
Otherwise known as “Abdominal Breathing”, “Deep Breathing” or “Diaphragmatic
Breathing” this type of breathing is often wrongly considered to be ‘complete breathing’.
The diaphragm is the great partition muscle, which separates the chest and its contents from the abdomen and what happens is that when we practice “low breathing, we fill only the lower and middle parts of the lungs.
The Complete Yogi Breath
Complete Breathing brings is a co-ordination of the entire respiratory apparatus - every part of the lungs, every air-cell and every respiratory muscle. The entire respiratory organism responds to this method of breathing and the maximum benefit is derived from the minimum expenditure of energy. One of the most important features of this method of breathing is the fact that the respiratory muscles are fully called into play, whereas in the other forms of breathing only a portion of these muscles are so used.
When breathing completely, the lower ribs are controlled by the diaphragm which draws
them slightly downward. While other muscles hold them in place, the intercostal muscles force these lower ribs outward and this combined action then increases the mid chest cavity to open to its maximum expansion. In addition to this muscular action, the upper ribs are also l ifted and forced outward by the intercostal muscles which in turn increases the capacity of the upper chest to its fullest extent.
Taking the air
Despite the fact that breathing is not a conscious response, as we noted above, our bodies are not necessari ly proficient at it. Speaking generally, our participation is passive, particularly as the air passes through the nasal passages. We should concentrate on widening our nostrils during inhalation. To allow them to remain passive lets the lobes of the nose t o close which in turn causes static, uneven and limited flow of air. Even minor irritation to nasal nerves triggers the complete respiratory system into life, and unbelievably,even a 10% increase dilation of nasal passage means about half a million more l itres of air per year to circulate through your body.
“Breath is Life”
Life is absolutely dependent upon the act of breathing. The Oriental and the Occidental agree upon these fundamental principles.
To breathe is to live and without breath there is no life. Not only are the higher animals dependent upon breath for life and health but even the lower forms of animal life must breathe to live and plant life is likewise dependent upon the air for continued existence.
From the first faint breath of the infant to the last gasp of the dying man, it is one long story of continued breathing. Life is but a series of breaths.
Breathing may be considered the most important of all functions of the body for all other functions depend upon it.
Not only are human beings dependant upon ‘breath’ for life and to continue to live, but they are largely dependant upon correct habits of breathing for continued vitality and freedom from disease. Sadly, the actual act of breathing is generally taken for granted, therefore many people remain unaware of the potential for this greater health and vitality.
Taking intelligent control of our breathing power will:
- Lengthen your Life.
- Increase vitality and freedom from disease.
- Increase powers of resistance
- Strengthen physical health and well being
- Increase rationale and mental power
- Increase happiness
- Increase self control
- Strengthen clarity and clear sightedness.
- Deepen and hasten spiritual growth.
- Strengthen and invigorate organs.
- Oxygenate the blood.
- Bring harmonious vibration wi th nature.
- Aid in the unfolding of latent powers.
- Cure disease in self and others.
- Dispose of fear and worry and the baser emotions.
No comments:
Post a Comment