Breath is the connecting force of our being and the outer world. Its breathing and awareness of breathing that unites us with our inner being. its not an accident that the ancient science of breathing developed under the name Yoga which literally means to join or unite. the most detailed methods of meditation and aware breathing has been developed by yogis from very early part of human consciousness.mystics of all age and tradition recognized the importance of breathing. in buddhist trandition it is mindful breathing that is the seed for meditation. the sufis also emphaise a lot on advance awareness of breathing. they train to incorporate the awareness of God within by the awareness of breathing.
Yoga breathing is one of the most refined method to practice science of breathing. most of us don't really breath properly.
take for example alternate nostril breathing. The name alternate nostril breathing is due to the fact that we alternate between the two nostrils when we do the breathing. Yogis believe that this exercise will clean and rejuvenate your vital channels of energy, thus the name nadi sodhana (purification of nadis or channels).
With this exercise, we breathe through only one nostril at a time. The logic behind this exercise is that normal breathing does alternate from one nostril to the other at various times during the day. but if you notice, often we breath only with one nostril which is not optimal.
Scientists also discovered that the nasal cycle corresponds with brain function. The electrical activity of the brain was found to be greater on the side opposite the less congested nostril. The right side of the brain controls creative activity, while the left side controls logical verbal activity. The research showed that when the left nostril was less obstructed, the right side of the brain was predominant. Test subjects were indeed found to do better on creative tests. Similarly when the right nostril was less obstructed the left side of the brain was predominant. Test subjects did better on verbal skills.
read more how you can improve your breathing by practicing Pranayam: Alternate Nostril Breathing.
:: More Resources on yoga & breathing
[] ABC of Yoga has collection of very useful article on Yoga and Breathing. it's a must visit resource.
[] Swami Jnaneshvara Bharati has a very detailed article specially focusing on Diaphragmatic Breathing with illustration. also has some other valuable resources.
[] Holistic yoga has alternate nostril method as well.
[] The miracle of Breath is an article by Cynthia Perkins, M.Ed where she gives breathing tips.
[] Kunadalini Yoga: Pranayam have some short takes on Long deep breathing, breath of fire, breathing techniques.
[] Life Positive magagine on Holistic Living has an article on Breahthing. With breath begins our journey of life. But as we breathe incessantly, taking it for granted, we develop bad breathing habits. Here are some tips on how to correct them for total well-being. Read Whife of Life by Ambica Gulati.
[] Breathing: easy and free destressing
[] Pranayama Made Easy Yoga Breathing By Scott Shaw
[] Yoga-Advice.org
[] About directory's Breathing and Yoga page.
:: Previous Post on Breathing
Awareness in the Breath: Awareness in the Moment
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