What do we know about breath? We know the mechanics of inhalation and exhalation, how life is exchanged between the plants and us. We know how it fuels us for survival, like food or water. But how much can Yoga and science actually explain the link between life and breath? Have you ever wondered if there is more to this cosmic transaction than just inhaling oxygen and exhaling carbon dioxide? Is oxygen all we need, or does breath play an even bigger role than we think? In the womb, oxygen is carried to a baby through the mother. However, when the baby is born, we look for the physical act of a first breath. Likewise, when a person is confirmed as lifeless, even though there may still be a few organs working and dying slowly, without the breath, that person is called dead.
So, what is it that we can’t see in this already invisible breath? Yogic science calls this prana and it is your vital life force. According to yoga, breath is the vehicle for prana to enter or leave the body, and it travels through 72,000 energy channels called Nadis. According to Yogic science, a healthy body and mind comes when prana is flowing and traveling evenly throughout the channels uninterrupted. Blockages of these channels, either internally or externally, are said to cause ill health.
Yoga (asana) and Pranayama (breathing) practices help to unblock these channels and let the prana flow. Yoga has continued to be practiced for over 12,000 years because it treats the source, not just the symptom. Science acknowledges that our bodies are ultimately geared for health with the innate desire to live until the last millisecond, and from my point of view, health is a direct consequence of yoga.
Breath and Yoga
Unknowingly, many yoga teachers put breath on the back burner, however yoga without conscious breathing is, in my opinion, equivalent to eating instant noodles. Let me explain. Instant noodles may help you solve your hunger at that particular moment, but you can’t very well call it a balanced diet. Likewise, yoga can make you flexible and feel amazing, but add in correct and conscious breathing and it actually starts to heal the body - there is life in and of itself.
Yogic breathing encourages us to take thin, slow, long breaths in order to take advantage of our full breathing capacity. Shallow or unconscious breathing, especially while practicing yoga, simply doesn’t give the proper nourishment. Ujjayi breathing, an ancient breathing technique, has been incorporated by all the great Yogis and Yoginis, and here’s why. Ujjayi breathing gently constricts the larynx which allows for thin, steady and focused air flow, allowing more oxygen and prana to enter every cell in the body. When doing this type of breathing, the sound produced in the throat will produce an ocean-like sound. This is the sound of your existence. When you get distracted, listening to this sound realigns the mind with the body.. Another (benefit) of Ujjayi breathing is that it helps you to see clearly when you have pushed yourself beyond your limit. If your breathing becomes irregular, it means that you could either be doing it incorrectly, or your body may not be ready yet. Contrary to any other form of physical activity, this is always an indicator to stop and rest. Then, your breath will lead your movement and not the other way around. Having the breath leading your practice not only brings health but also shows your limitation.
Breath and Emotion
The breath is strongly linked to the autonomic nervous system. In fact, it is so connected that it can have a noticeable impact on your mood, energy level and vitals. Scientifically, lengthening an inhalation boosts an energizing effect, while lengthening an exhalation has a calming and grounding effect. In different yoga sessions with different people, this can be tailored to individual needs in keeping the four parts of breathing inhale, hold, exhale, hold.
Breath and Mind
Breath is a very reliable tool that you can depend on your entire life to link your body and mind. When you incorporate breath with Asana movements, you invite the mind to actively participate rather than letting it roam free, or trying to force it to focus. Yoga that puts emphasis on breath as the lead brings you closer to the true intention of Yoga, which is the unity of mind, body and soul.
Edited By: Madeleine D.
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