Art of Breathing

The Art of Breathing Hatha Yoga is the art and science of balancing the equal and opposite energies that are part and parcel of our very existence. These energies can be found right down in the cations and anions of our cell electrons. The protons of our subatomic and atomic structure and at the physical cross level. The fact that we have a right and left side, a right and left nostril, a right and left eye and of course the right and left veins demonstrates this. From the moment we are born to the moment we die we have to breathe. We take breathing for granted; no one teaches us how to breathe. Just like singing and dancing, some are good at it and some are not so good. We have lessons for those who want to teach, and those who want to learn. What we need to be aware of is that every thought, word or action has to be synchronised with our breath. When we observe nature, we learn that those creatures that breathe fast have a short lifespan compared with those creatures that have a slower rhythm of breathing. Breathing affects the cations and anions of the human body. Dietary minerals are mainly inorganic ions. Knowledge of ions is important not only to your success in chemistry but also to an understanding of many critical life processes, they are essential nutrients that must be obtained from the diet. Following are some of the more important ions in the cells and fluids of our bodies: Sodium, Potassium, Chloride, Calcium, Magnesium and Phosphate ions. In addition to these ions, the body needs smaller amounts of ions found in trace minerals. These include the ions Iron(II), Chromium(III), Copper(II), Zinc, Fluoride, Iodide and Bicarbonate, as well as the Hydrogen ion. Also required are compounds of Manganese, Molybdenum and Selenium; although these are not necessarily in the form of simple ions. These trace minerals play a variety of roles, several of which are discussed as we progress through. The average person breathes 21,600 times in 24 hours. This is 900 breaths an hour, 15 a minute and one breathe every 4 seconds. Every breath we save goes to prolong our life. In Yoga, the art of breathing is known as Pranayama. Here we learn that the mouth is for eating and tasting, whereas the nostrils are for smelling and breathing. When our nose is blocked we cannot smell and if we cannot smell the chances are we cannot taste. The nostrils are connected to Nadis, which are channels of breathing. In Yoga, they are called the Ida (left) and Pin-gala (Right) Nadis. The right nostril represents the element fire and it is ruled by the Sun, which raises the body temperature, whereas the left represents the element water and is ruled by the Moon lowering the inner temperature in the body. Nature wonders that the nostrils control the body temperature, lowering and raising the internal body temperature with the aim of homoeostasis. It is rare to find both nostrils equally opened. This is because as the body temperature falls, the left nostril gradually closes allowing less air to go through, whilst at the same time, the right nostril remains fully opened allowing more air into the body resulting in a rise in body temperature. Nature’s in-built thermostat. The right nostril affects the sympathetic nervous system and the left nostril the parasympathetic. Their actions are Catabolic and Anabolic. The right nostril is connected to the left brain, whereas the left nostril is connected to the right brain. The central Nadi is known as the Sushumna and is closely related to the Vagus nerve and the Cerebrospinal fluids. We know that the lungs are divided into three sections: the upper, middle and lower regions. When we do thoracic breathing, the air is directed into the upper regions of the lungs and is known as a shallow breath. Breathing into the lower abdomen encourages deep breathing. In Yoga we are taught to practice slow, deep rhythmic breathing and always through the nostrils, directing the breath into the lower abdomen (the region below the navel). By doing this it enables us to draw more air and perform what is known as the “complete breath”. This allows us to fill all three regions of the lungs. To achieve this the breath must be slow, rhythmic and deliberate. The lower abdominal region is known as the Kunda. It is where the word Kundalini comes from. Practising breathing into the Kunda, awakens Kundalini. This breath travels up the spine, through the Sushumna and into the third ventricle of the brain connecting the Pineal and the Pituitary gland creating DMT – Dimethyltryptamine The average person not only breathes through the mouth but also breathes into the chest. If you watch most adults breathe into the lungs, you see their chest expand and contract. When you watch an infant breathe, you will notice the abdomen inflates and deflates with each breath. In Yoga, this is the proper way to breathe. Practising abdominal breathing encourages the mind to be focused and the body to be centred. Thoracic breathing is shallow breathing, whereas abdominal breathing is deeper. By this I mean you can take 2 to 3 times more air with each breath, bringing strength into the muscles and along with Yoga exercises it encourages the muscles to be more elastic, resulting in stamina. With each breath we take 20% of the air is oxygen and 80% is nitrogen. The oxygen is used to oxygenate the blood and carry nutrients around the body resulting in revitalising and repairing. With each exhalation the body gets rid of the water and carbon dioxide, resulting in cleansing. Although the body needs oxygen, oxygen causes constriction, oxidation and free radical damage. This is comparable to what happens to metal when it is exposed to air. Rust develops and over a period of time the metal becomes brittle and disintegrates. Free radical damage is one of the main reasons for ageing in the body. The less oxygen we demand the longer we live. This is why people who live in high altitude generally have a longer lifespan. According to Dr.Buteyko (method of breathing) it is incorrect breathing that causes asthma. The more the intake of oxygen, the tighter the chest becomes. The more we exhale the breath and hold it the more dilators we produce and the less breathlessness we suffer. Dr Ignarro, Nobel prize Laureate for discovering Nitric Oxide (Systematic name Nitrogen monoxide) claims that when you exercise the body uses the amino acid l-Arginine and nitrogen to produce Nitric Oxide (NO). Nitrates, found in highest concentrations of leafy green vegetables such as spinach and beetroot, are converted naturally in the body to nitric oxide. The best Nitric Oxide (NO) does not come from a tablet or spray, rather from exercise where it is produced naturally. My approach to anti-ageing is a proper diet, breathing exercises along with yoga, meditation, earthing and sun gazing, which I include in my classes. In Yoga, we are taught to breathe slower and rhythmically which has a relaxing effect on the body and promotes healthy brain waves. (e.g. Alpha and Theta brain waves to relax, and Beta brain waves for adrenaline, activity and energy production). Slow rhythmic breathing can also encourage this, whilst listening to music composed to affect the production of these brainwaves. We can also promote healing in the body through controlled breathing. Imagine with each breath that you are not only taking in Oxygen and Nitrogen but also ‘Prana’ otherwise known as 'Chi' or the ‘Universal Lifeforce’. Where you direct your mind to the body, Prana will flow, where Prana is prese nt, blood will flow, where there is blood there will be nutrients resulting in repairs and healing. Such is the power of thought and positive thinking. In Yoga, similar to the Martial Arts, we are taught to concentrate on the breath and life force and direct it to various parts of the body where bamboo sticks and concrete slabs can be broken or iron rods bent and moulded. Here we see Prana or Chi in action. Never underestimate what can be achieved through controlled breathing and the power of thought. Hold a thought, and breathe knowingly.