Yoga Breathing Techniques

yoga Breathing Techniques

yoga breathing, also known as Pranayama, involves using the entire lung capacity to breathe, supplying the body with abundant oxygen, promoting blood circulation, and distributing energy to various parts of the body. Breathing gently massages the organs within the chest and abdomen, enhancing their functions and providing deep relaxation to both the body and mind, resulting in significant benefits for overall health.

The correct practice of yoga starts with breathwork before moving on to the physical postures.

Abdominal Breathing Technique

During inhalation, slowly and deeply breathe in fresh air through the nose, filling the lower lungs. As the breath increases, the diaphragm descends between the chest and abdomen, causing the abdominal organs to move downward and the lower abdomen to gently expand. During exhalation, contract the abdomen inward toward the spine, allowing the diaphragm to naturally rise, completely expelling the stale air from the lungs and returning the organs to their original positions.

Lying down, deep breath to expel stale air

●Lie down on your back, place your hands about three fingers below the navel. Slowly inhale, and you should feel the abdomen rise. Exhale slowly, tightening the abdomen toward the spine to expel the stale air.

Coordinated Breathing Techniques

Proper breathing techniques can increase oxygen supply, purify the blood, strengthen lung tissue, boost the body's resistance, enhance physical strength and vitality, resulting in a healthier complexion and a purer mind.

Breathing synchronized with yoga postures

●Combine correct breathing techniques with yoga postures and observe the changes occurring in your body and mind.

Chest Breathing Technique

Breathe in slowly, filling the chest area with air, expanding the sternum and ribcage outward while keeping the abdomen flat. As the inhalation increases, contract the abdomen inward; during exhalation, gradually release the stale air from the lungs, allowing the ribcage and chest to return to their original positions.

Basic seated pose, using chest breathing

●Sit cross-legged on a Yoga Mat, place your hands on the sides of your ribcage. Inhale slowly, and you should feel the ribcage expand outward and lift upward. Exhale slowly, drawing the ribcage inward and downward.

Complete Breathing Technique

Complete breathing combines abdominal and chest breathing in a seamless, natural rhythm. During inhalation, first fill the lower lungs, allowing the abdomen to rise, then let the air fill the middle and upper lungs. This transition from abdominal to chest breathing will be evident as the abdominal wall and lower ribcage expand outward while the chest slightly moves. During exhalation, reverse the process: relax the chest, then the abdomen, expel the air as much as possible, and gently contract the lungs. The entire breathing process flows smoothly, resembling a wave gently transitioning from the abdomen to the upper chest and then gradually subsiding.

Lying down, breathing and contracting the abdominal cavity

●Lie down on your back on the yoga mat, place your hands on your navel, and directly inhale air into the abdomen. Continue inhaling, allowing the air to fill the chest. During exhalation, the ribcage sinks, and the abdominal cavity tightens.

Remember, mastering proper breathing techniques is fundamental to a successful and rewarding yoga practice.