BREATH IS LIFE

“Breath is Life”

To breathe is to live. Life is entirely dependent on the breath; all living things, including plants, must have air to live. Breath is ever present, from the moment at a baby fills its lungs, to the last gasp of a dying man. “Life is nothing but a series of breaths” says an Indian proverb.

While we may live without eating for several days, and without drinking for many hours how many minutes can we last without breathing? Man must not only breath to live, but should do so in such a way that he maintains constant vitality and avoids illness. Unfortunately, the number of people who know how to breathe properly is very small. Most people breath in a haphazard was as may be seen by cramped chests, stooping shoulders and the development of respiratory illness. It has been noted that unsatisfactory breathing habits decrease resilience and shorten life.

Whether they know it or not, some people breathe from the upper part of the chest (clavicle), others from the thorax, and third group from the diaphragm. Each one of these types of breathing is incomplete, for only one part of the lungs is filled with air. Research maid in India by various Yoga institutes has shown that these kinds of breathing do not provide man with uniform development, whether Physical, mental or spiritual.

The Rishis declare that the three types of breathing should be combined, so that they from a single breathing pattern, similar to the movement of a wave. This is known as ‘complete Yogic Breathing.’ It allows the lungs to be totally filled, and is of the greatest value to man in that it enables him to absorb quantity of oxygen and to store a large amount of Prana. The Yogis also consider this type of breathing not only to ensure a long life by granting man unflagging vitality, and great powers of resistance, but also as an essential factor in his psychic and spiritual development.

The Yogis emphasize the point that complete Yogic breathing is the basis for all breathing exercises (Pranayama).Complete Yogic breathing consists of three parts:

*The abdomen

*The middle part of the chest (Thorax);

*The upper part of the chest (Clavicle).

One should always inhale and exhale through the nose. The small screen of hair inside the nose not only filters the air, but also prevents impurities such as dust, harmful gases, minute insects, etc., from penetrating into the organism.

“The nose is to breathe; the mouth is to eat and to speak whenever necessary”

1. Breathing from the abdomen:

The easiest method is to put the hands lightly on the abdomen so that its movements may be felt. During inhalation, the abdomen should be allowed to expand a little, like a bow, as the lower part of the lungs filled with air. During exhalation, the abdomen is allowed to sink in again This action should be repeated several times. (This is an excellent internal massage for all the abdominal organs. It regularizes the functioning of the intestines and stimulates the digestion)

2. Breathing from the Thorax.

Put the hand on either side of the ribs without pressing, inhale slowly inflating the sides then contract them by exhaling, like an accordion; repeat several times. (Purifies the blood, improves circulation and calms the heart.)

3. Breathing from the upper part of the chest

Puts the hands on each side of the clavicle (upper chest) touching it with the fingers. Contract the stomach slightly. Inhale slowly pushing the clavicle upwards then begins to exhale pushing it downwards. This exercise should also be repeated several times. (Thoroughly cleans and fortifies the upper chest.)