Health Tools

Blood Pressure Calculator

Child Growth

Creatinine Calculator

Water Intake

Parkland Formula

CHD RISK

Hygiene

Introduction

Daily Hygiene

Dental Hygiene

Human Hygiene

Food Safety

Proper Handwash

Naturopathy

Naturopathy Introduction

Detoxification And Cleansing

Panchakarma

Naturopathy Counseling

Mental health

Mental health Introduction

ADHD

OCD

Schizophrenia

Medication

CHD RISK

YOGA

Proper Breathing (Pranayama)

Many individuals only utilize a fraction of their lung capacity for breathing, resulting in shallow breaths that barely expand the ribcage. This hunched posture often leads to painful tension in the upper back and neck, and a lack of oxygen. To alleviate these issues, they should adopt full Yogic breathing.

The Different Types of Breathing

There are three fundamental types of breathing:

1. Clavicular breathing, the shallowest and least desirable form, involves raising the shoulders and collarbone while contracting the abdomen during inhalation. It requires significant effort but yields minimal air intake.
2. Thoracic breathing is characterized by the expansion of the rib cage due to the involvement of rib muscles. It represents a somewhat incomplete form of breathing.
3. Deep abdominal breathing, the most beneficial method, directs air to the lowest and largest part of the lungs. It entails slow, deep breaths and employs the diaphragm effectively.

In reality, none of these types constitute complete breathing. A comprehensive Yogic breath combines all three, commencing with deep inhalation and continuing through the intercostal and clavicular regions.

Learning The Abdominal Breathing

To develop a proper sense of diaphragmatic breathing, wear loose attire and recline on your back. Position your hand on the upper abdomen where the diaphragm resides. Inhale and exhale slowly, observing the outward expansion of the abdomen during inhalation and its contraction during exhalation. Try to sense this motion.

Learning The Full Yogic Breathing

Once you feel adept in abdominal breathing, you can progress to mastering Full Yogic Breathing. Inhale slowly, expanding the abdomen, followed by the ribcage, and ultimately the upper part of the lungs. When exhaling, reverse the process, letting the abdomen cave in. This is the complete Yogic breath.

Pranayama

The most crucial aspect of proper breathing is Prana, the subtle energy of vital breath. The mastery of Prana leads to control of the mind. Breathing exercises are referred to as Pranayamas, signifying the regulation of Prana.