I am a very avid promoter of the correct way to breath as well as the various type of breathing exercises we can take to further improve the quality of our lives. At every moment I can, I always take a few minutes to concentrate on my breathing and the connection between my body and mind.
Think about the new infant that draws in a long, deep breath, retains it for a moment to extract from it its life-giving properties, and then exhales it in a long wail. Just like that, it’s life upon earth has begun. The old man gives a faint gasp, ceases to breathe, and life is over on this physical plane. From the first faint breath of the infant to the last gasp of the dying man, it is one long story of continued breathing. Simply put, life is a series of breaths, and the quality of our breathing plays a significant part in life that is overlooked.
We are constantly inhaling the air charged with energy, and are as constantly extracting it from the air and appropriating it to our uses. This energy is sometime called Prana in some cultures and Sekhem in others and is found in its free-est state in the atmospheric air, which when fresh is fairly charged with it.
We draw it to us more easily from the air than from any other source. In ordinary breathing, we absorb and extract a normal supply of prana, but by controlled and regulated breathing (generally known as Yogi breathing) we are enabled to extract a greater supply, which is stored away in the brain and nerve centres, to be used when needed. Our Capstone Pattern Course has further details.
There are mainly four methods of breathing:
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High Breathing
One breathing in this way elevates the ribs and raises the collarbone and shoulders. The upper part of the chest and lungs, which is the smallest, is used, and consequently but a minimum amount of air enters the lungs.
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Mid Breathing
This method of respiration is known to as Rib Breathing, where air is drawn into the mid-region of the chest.
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Low Breathing
The better of the above two methods and is often referred to as “Diaphragmatic breathing”, “Abdominal Breathing” and at times “Deep Breathing”. This is due to the employed use of the diaphragm as the principal muscle for breathing.
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Complete Breathing or Union Breathing Exercise
On an average, our breath reaches only the upper lobes of the lungs (High breathing). This is because we usually don’t pay attention to our breathing habits and also why most of us shallow breath. To enhance your breathing, start off with practicing diaphragmatic (Low) breathing exercises.
Eventually you should seek Complete Breathing exercise or Yogi Union Breathing as it includes all the good points of High Breathing, Mid Breathing, and Low Breathing, with the negative aspects of each removed. It brings into play the entire respiratory system, every part of the lungs, every air-cell, every respiratory muscle.
Download our Capstone Pattern course or book a one on one consultation risk free to start making positive changes in your breathing habit for a better quality of life.