Deep Breathing

The problem with improper breathing is that we do not breathe deeply enough to inhale sufficient oxygen and subsequently we do not exhale all the carbon dioxide from our bodies. Therefore, carbon dioxide will accumulate in our bodies resulting in some serious ailments including high blood pressure. Breathing carbon dioxide filled air can result in fainting and dizziness because your body won’t get the needed oxygen.

With an increment in the effort you exert, your demand for deeper breathing expands. For example, your breath while performing vigorous exercises is deeper than that of normal breathing. Through breathing strength training you can learn how to put more power in your muscles by breathing in the proper way. The human body has a tendency to cease breathing while exerting effort, but this may cause a serious increase in blood pressure. So, you need to learn how to breathe properly while exercising.

In vigorous exercises like weight lifting, you need to learn proper breathing weight lifting techniques. Through practicing yoga, you will be able to know the proper breathing techniques that can help you perform your exercises.

The yoga principle of proper breathing is the usage of the whole capacity of the lung in breathing, Most people use half or two thirds of their total lung capacity. The simple technique of proper breathing is to exhale air during the power phase of your exercise and inhale in the low power phase of the exercise.

Breathing during lifting will give you more power and help you perform more reps in every set. Learning yoga breathing principles will give you the golden chance to master your breathing technique during exercise. Learn the basic pranayama techniques and you will find that your overall health status has changed drastically. The more oxygen you inhale the more toxins you will get rid of.

Article Source : http://www.yogawiz.com/

Pranayama - Powerful Breathing Exercise

Prana in Sanskrit (ancient Indian language) is the universal principle of energy. It is all pervading and vital for life. It is found in all forms of life, in human beings, in animals & also in plant life.

Prana shines in our eyes. It is through prana that our ears hear, the eyes see, the nose smells & the brain functions. It is prana that does digestion, excretion and secretion.

Prana is spent by thinking, moving, talking, writing etc. A healthy man has abundance of prana or nerve-energy or vitality. The prana is supplied by food, water, air, solar energy etc. The supply of prana is taken up by the nervous system. The prana is absorbed by breathing. The excess of prana is stored in the brain and nerve centres.

Pranayama is a control of Prana and the vital forces of body. It is a regulation of breath. The aim of Pranayama is the control of breath.

Pranayama though it concerns with the breath, gives good exercise for the various internal organs and the whole body. Pranayama bestows good health and a steady mind.

How to do Pranayama?

Sit in a chair with chest, neck and head in one vertical line. Do not bend your body either forwards or backwards. You can sit in Padmasan or Siddhasan also. You must experience joy & pleasure in doing the same. You should not feel any undue strain. Always inhale & exhale slowly.

Whenever you feel uneasy, depressed or dejected practice pranayama. It is a sure way to feel refreshed.

1) Equal Breathing Pranayama:

Stand erect in a relaxed comfortable position, with feet apart. This practice can be done in a sitting position also. Inhale slowly and continuously in a relaxed manner to a count that is comfortable. (You can count silently in mind 1001, 1002 & 1003 etc. One can initially begin counting 1001 & 1002. Later, after practice one can go upto 1003 or more).

As soon as the inhalation is complete start exhalation in the same manner, keeping the same count as above i.e. equalize inhalation & exhalation.

Concentrate on the gentle uninterrupted long flow of the breath. Do this practice for 10 rounds.

2) Alternate Nostril Pranayama:

Sit in a comfortable position. Exhale fully. Close right nostril with your thumb and inhale slowly through your left nostril. Close left nostril with index finger and exhale through right nostril. Inhale through right nostril. Close the right nostril and exhale through the left nostril. Continue this pattern for 10 rounds. For the next round start with the opposite nostril. (I.e. inhale through right nostril).
Benefits:

Appetite is improved. Energy level improves. Concentration improves. Mind becomes one pointed.

It is important to avoid stress in performing pranayama.

(Disclaimer: Consult your doctor before practising pranayama, if you are suffering from any heart ailment /high blood pressure or nervous disorders).


Source : http://yogatechniques.blogspot.com/