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Ayurveda

Treatments: Breathing (Pranayama)

In Sanskrit, the word for breath is “prana,” which is also the word for vital energy, or life force. The first and last act of physical life is to breathe. In Ayurveda, absorbing as much prana as possible from breathing, food, and our surroundings is considered of vital importance. The practice of breath control and specific breathing techniques is used to absorb a much greater amount of prana than what is received during mainstream, shallow breathing. It is also used to oxygenate the body and rid the body of waste products and toxins. These breathing techniques are known in Sanskrit as “pranayama” – loosely translated to mean “the expansion and mastery of vital energy.”

Ayurveda encourages deep breathing using a fluid, natural rhythm during the course of the day. The spine should be kept straight to not obstruct the flow of prana.

The breathing techniques are practiced in an environment of fresh clean air. Breathing is done through the nostrils only, therefore it is important to clear the nasal passages as much as possible before beginning. The nose has various defense mechanisms which prevent dust particles, insects, and impurities from entering the body. It also warms excessively cold air. It is believed that the olfactory organ is involved in the absorption of prana from the air.

Before beginning formal breathing exercises, at least one hour should have passed since eating so that the body is not focused on the digestion process. There are three common methods of breathing that we often use in daily life:

1.	High Breathing High breathing involves using the upper chest and lungs. It is considered the least desirable form of breathing, as only the upper region of the lungs are used which have a small air capacity. This results in lower amounts of oxygen being absorbed in the body, which in turn leads to a host of problems such as the buildup of toxins, diminished mental clarity, and premature aging. High, quick breathing is the most common breathing technique used in everyday life due to a variety of reason such as tight fitting clothes, posture, intense concentration, stress and anxiety, anger, and other emotions
2.	Low Breathing Also called “abdominal breathing,” low breathing involves using the abdomen. With each inhalation, the stomach is gently pushed out, and the stomach returned to its normal position on the exhale. It is considered far superior to high breathing as a much larger amount of air is taken in due to the increased surface area and capacity of the lungs. The abdominal organs are also massaged as the diaphragm rises and falls, and circulation is improved due to the increase in venous bloodUnoxygenated blood which is returning to the heart to pick up oxygen.
3.	Middle Breathing Middle breathing, also called “thoracicThe chest region, comprised of twelve vertebrae located in the thorax which articulate with the twelve ribs breathing” as the ribs and chest are expanded sideways, is not quite as shallow as high breathing, yet not as deep as low breathing.

Although there are many breathing exercises used in the practice of pranayama, the “Complete Breath” is often recommended, in addition to the practice of deeper breathing throughout the day. The complete breath is practiced twice daily (see page 2 below).

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