I’ve started reading on yoga and learning it back in the 1990’s; when I was
in high school. It wasn’t much of a thing yet, that time. It was difficult to
look for any centers or organizations teaching or doing yoga in the Philippines
then. Now, there are a lot.
I’ve sort of self-taught. Hence, I did away with difficult
asana which I felt I could not do alone. And the most helpful thing I’ve
learned is breathing as relaxation and clearing.
Why Breathing is Essential:
Deep controlled breathing is nature’s tranquilizer and
rejuvenator.
1.
By slowing down the rate of respiration, it
reduces strain in the heart.
2.
The stimulating action improves metabolism,
transforming deposits of fat into body fuel.
3.
The lungs get well exercised; hence, increases
the resistance to ailments.
4.
Sufficient oxygen in the body wards off fatigue
and heaviness.
5.
Deep breathing increases the supply of oxygen in
our bloodstream.
a.
It brings in oxygen to our muscles, joints and body organs. (This process
increases the ability of the muscles to respond and raises the level of energy.)
b.
Our brain get’s more oxygen too. (This gives our minds clearer and better
ability to respond more efficiently.)
Most breathing exercises in yoga are done through the nose
with our mouths close. This is because our nose serves as a vacuum cleaner
which sweeps in the air particles or dusts and bacteria. If we breathe as
nature intended and that is by expanding our lungs to full capacity, we can
revitalize our energy, calm our nerves, induce good sleep and live longer.
I will share some basic breathing exercises you can do to calm yourself soon.
