YOGA METHOD FOR BREATHING

Articles In This Section:

· YOUR BODY CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT AIR

· PHYSIOLOGY OF BREATHING

· YOGA HELPS WITH YOUR BREATHING

· PRANAYAMA ISN'T ALL OF THE BREATHING

· YOGA METHOD FOR BREATHING

· YOGA POSES

· MASTERING THE YOGA TECHNIQUES

· BREATHING TECHNIQUES

· ADVANCED YOGIS

The second chakra, Svadishthana, situated in the region of the genitals, is said to control overt sexual desire. Next comes Manipura, which corresponds to the solar plexus, with control over the digestive processes. This is the "stomach brain," our powerhouse of stored-up energy in many ways connected with all manner of physical reactions and emotions. The fourth chakra, Anahat, at heart level, corresponds to the cardiac plexus, which controls breathing. The fifth is the Visu-adha, behind the throat, which controls speech. The sixth, Ajna, located between the eyebrows, supposedly controls the autonomous nervous system and is said to be the seat of the mystical "third eye" which accounts for the clairvoyance claimed by some Yogis. Finally there is Sahasrara chakra, called also the Thousand-Petalled Lotus, which corresponds to the cortical layer of the brain. Of this chakra it is said that here Kundalini joins her Lord, Vishnu, as matter ascends to the spirit and the gross in the human body merges with what is most lofty.

The mystical ramifications of this concept need not concern us here, but whatever the differences between prana and oxygen, one thing is certain: the practice of pranayama—even if you are determined to call it simply proper breathing—produces immediate beneficial results. In short order the student begins to experience lightness of body, an absence of restlessness, better digestion due to an increase in the flow of the gastric juices, clearing and smoothing of the skin. The physiological benefits we have already explained—now let the student discover for himself how quickly these will come to him once he establishes a daily routine of exercises. As for the spiritual well-being that will follow—the inner lightness, the serenity—it matters little whether you attribute them to oxygen burning out the wastes and poisons in your grey matter or to more subtle influences. The important thing is that it is all yours to enjoy at will.

And now for method:

Except for certain exercises which specify otherwise, breathing, as you now know, should always be through the nose. It should also be rhythmic. A long inhalation, a short pause while holding the breath, then a long exhalation is the basic pattern to follow. But on no account must you make hard work of it or overdo it. Strain destroys the benefits of the exercise. And regardless of what you may have heard about suspension of breath practiced by some Yogis, this is nothing for a neophyte to experiment with. In fact, it might be harmful. So the moment you feel the least bit queer when practicing Yogic breathing, stop.