Pranayama Nature’s key to good health

The discipline of yoga is being adopted worldwide. Among the principles of yoga, correct breathing is an essential part. During ancient times, it was advocated as being a method of cleansing and purification of the entire system.

It has been acknowledged that proper breathing and breathing exercises are of great benefit, as it cleanses the body of toxins and wastes. When we breathe in, oxygen passes into the blood stream and when we breathe out, the lungs give out carbon dioxide. This process “washes” the body internally. If we carry out this process properly, the internal washing will be more efficient.

The yogic practice of Pranayama is one of the best exercises of correct breathing. Devoting a few minutes everyday allows us the means of natural cleansing of the system.

Close one nostril with the fingers. Then breathe in through the other nostril. The air should be inhaled in short sniffs. Then close the second nostril and breathe out. Breathe in again through the other nostril and breathe out the same way. Alternate it up to 10 times.

Sit on a chair that supports the back comfortably. Allow the chest and abdomen to relax. Pull in the abdomen with a sharp movement and breathe out through the nose and mouth. Then relax the abdomen and breathe in. This should be a continuous process.

Exhale air in short breaths through the mouth, with the lips pursed... as one does while whistling. Then inhale by taking short sniffs through the nose.

One of the benefits of aerobic exercises is that it allows the body to inhale as much oxygen as possible. It is essential to bear in mind the correct method of breathing during physical activities, like jogging or skipping. The air should be inhaled through the mouth and nose. Very often, some exercises cause a tendency to hold the breath. This should not be done, unless the exercise specifically requires it.

If you are suffering from chronic fatigue, a few breathing exercises can be done early in the morning in open air.

Stand with your hands on the lower ribs and breathe in deeply through the nose, very slowly. When you have taken in as much air as you can, breathe out through the mouth, exhaling all the air.

People who do breathing exercises have experienced renewed physical vigour, as well as relief from mental stress. In fact, it is said to improve thinking capacity. This is probably due to the fact that the brain cells are most sensitive to the shortage of oxygen. In most cases, when mental stress is relieved, the feeling of physical fatigue also goes.

Internal cleansing is of great importance and correct breathing is a key to a body and mind that are sparked with vitality.