Our bodies are just amazed; we can stay alive for a long period of time without food and water, but not without breathing. Breathing is the symbol that we are still alive. On average, we take around 20,000 breaths each day. But how much importance do we give to this vital function?
PRANAYAMA is the 4th Limb in Ashtanga Yoga, it means the EXPANSION OF VITAL ENERGY. Yoga is not only controlling our body to unnatural poses. More importantly, it is a spiritual practice. As breathing can be unconscious and conscious. Pranayama, or can be explained as breath control, is the key component of yoga.
Practicing pranayama is good for our mental health and yoga practice. Increasing studies prove that pranayama can promote relaxation and mindfulness. It’s also proven to support multiple aspects of physical health, including lung function, blood pressure, and brain function.
Also, while practicing yoga, regulated breathing is the key component, which would lead to comfort of the mind without swings or pain, pleasure or suffering. Here are the golden rules of breathing while doing yoga:
(1) Breathe in and out through nostril
(2) Inhale when opening the front of the body
(3) Exhale when you are folding the body down
(4) Exhale when twisting the body
