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Yoga Special Breathing Techniques

Once effective breathing has become second nature it may be time to learn some techniques designed especially to benefit certain body systems and organs. There are exercises to clear the entire respiratory system of the effects of pollution, and rhythmic breathing patterns that produce soporific humming sounds. And kumbhaka, the technique of restraining the breath, is a powerful stimulus to mental concentration.

Only when beginners are confident that their breathing is effective should they try any of the special breathing techniques.

The asana, shining head, stimulates the nervous system by vigorous breathing through the nose several times in succession. This cleansing process makes breathing easier and more effective and the head, brain, and nervous system benefit from better blood circulation.

Bellows breath energizes the body and stimulates the liver, spleen, and pancreas so these organs function more efficiently, improving digestion.

People living where air quality is poor, former smokers, and people with asthma can benefit from lung-clearing exercises

Worsening air quality worldwide makes it important to breathe through the nose and not through the mouth. As air is drawn through the nose, along the windpipe and into the lungs, it is warmed by the body's heat, and minute mucus-covered hairs lining the nostrils trap particles which might damage the lungs.

In these cleansing exercises breathing must not silent. In bellows breath, for instance air is drawn the nostrils and forced out very audibly. Some asanas however, involve making sounds like humming, in the throat . This is hard to I but enjoyable, and it induces calm and peace of mind.

Breathing is controlled by the unconscious, but the conscious influences breathing rate and depth, so can breathe faster when we exercise, for example.

Only during emergencies does the brain override will - when we are in danger and a decision affects survival becomes imperative. Then breathing stops for an instant. This concentrates the mind totally for the few seconds needed to decide and take action. This reaction, imitated in yoga in a technique known as kumbhaka or holding the breath is an effective way of focusing the mind.

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