What is Deep Breathing Exercise?
In layman’s language, deep breathing exercise means taking more oxygen and inhaling it for a longer duration than normal and then exhaling out the carbon dioxide for an equally longer duration.
In Ayurveda, deep breathing exercises are practiced as Pranayama in meditation. When the speed of regular breathing is deliberately delayed, the result is deep breathing. Deep breathing relaxes the body and calms the mind and emotions.
Deep breathing exercises and Detox of Lungs
Ayurveda encourages deep breathing with healthy lungs. Pranayama is the art of right breathing – consciously! It helps to keep the nasal passage and lungs healthy for the exchange of gases to take place.
Pranayama or deep breathing helps to treat respiratory diseases of the lungs, hypertension, insomnia, general fatigue, psychological imbalances like anxiety, stress, etc. Also, Pranayama strengthens the nervous system. Ayurveda suggests taking natural herbs for healthy lungs, to make sure the oxygen intake reaches the optimum level and helps to detox the body!
Pranayama:
The word has been derived from the Sanskrit word Prana which means life force. Hence it is mandatory to keep the Prana in an optimum state through regular breathing. Breathing is an involuntary action, which happens without our knowledge, naturally. Most of the time, we are not even aware that we are not breathing properly. If asked, the usual answer is – practicing yoga day and night!
It is always wise to perform routines that keep our Prana stable. Regular Pranaynam uplifts the spirit and cleanses the mind and body! Unfortunately, our activities throughout the day result in a higher level of anxiety or frustration, which impacts our systems negatively, not only at a superficial level but also at a deeper cellular level. Owing to such experiences, Prana will leave our cells and this makes us more prone to imbalances. Regular breathing in full consciousness helps to give sufficient oxygen to the cells which helps to revitalize the cells.
Factors that restrict our breathing:
Our breathing is affected by every action throughout the day – the way we act, react, walk, talk. Stress and deadline pressure at work leads to feeling frustration and anger. It increases the hot quality in the blood which impacts the Prana in the cells, leading to the destruction of the cells. The only regime that can prevent damage to our cells and tissue is – deep, long slow breathing regularly.
Stress and Anxiety:
When one is stressed, anxious, or nervous, there is a straight impact on the inner tissues. It leads to depletion or Prana from cells. Prana will gradually move out of the cell, as they become more fragile with compromised oxidation. The cells will become dry, damaged, rough, and cold ultimately leading to dead cells.The more and faster cells die, the lower the immunity. Hence Regular deep breathing is recommended every day!
Tobacco:
Smoking and consuming tobacco clogs the lungs which slow down breathing and reduce the oxygen capacity of the lungs. Hence, these kinds of addictions alter regular breathing, leading to fatal conditions like lung cancer or throat cancer. Not only it’s harmful to the active smoker, but the fumes of tobacco are equally bad for passive smokers as well. Therefore, it is advised to leave these habits at the earliest possible and focus on a healthier lifestyle with yoga, Pranayama and meditation.
Lifestyle:
Changing the lifestyle and switching to a healthy lifestyle, with lesser stress and a proper sleep routine helps to regularize the breathing. Refusing substance abuse, taking help for any mental disorders like depression helps in regular breathing.
How is Pranayama Different from breathing?
Pranayama means the regulation of the breath through certain techniques and exercises practiced in Yoga. Breathing is the natural way of inhalation and exhalation of air. However, it is such a natural process that we seldom pay attention to its occurrence, till it becomes severe. In today’s world, where we don’t have much time Pranayama is the technique that ensures that the oxygen intake is optimum and improves one’s mental and physical well-being.
In brief, the benefits of deep breathing are:
- Relaxes and calms the body and mind
- Engages the parasympathetic nervous system
- Promotes positivity
- Helps balance emotions
- Improves mental clarity
- Cleanses the blood
Why does Ayurveda recommend Pranayama?
For more oxygen and better productivity
If oxygen is the fuel, then the lungs are the engine for the machine called HUMAN BODY!! For proper productivity, the input should also be adequate. Hence a proper quantity of oxygen is mandatory to keep the lungs functioning and consequently keep the Prana in the cells refreshed.
For a better flow of blood:
Blood is the oxygen carrier for the body. Whether the brain or the muscles, no part of the body can function till there is an adequate supply of oxygen. Deep breathing ensures a higher intake of oxygen and a better supply of blood to the whole body. Without the right breathing, the blood wouldn’t have the required supply of oxygen to meet the body’s demand and potentially result in a lot of problems, the skin suffers, muscles tire faster and the carbon dioxide levels in the blood are also affected, just to mention one can live without food but not without Prana. To maintain the balance of Prana, regular 10-15 rhythmic breathing (deep, long, slow breaths) is necessary through the nose for a minimum of 3 -4 times a day.
A better mind-body balance
A good Prana in the cells results in longevity of the cells and leads to an ideal mind-body balance. The right amount of oxygen from the lungs helps to detox the body. Slow, deep breaths that hit the bottom of your stomach, extending the lungs beyond the rib cage,filling the larger portions of the lungs -making more oxygen available to the body.
Role of Lungs:
We have spoken a lot about breathing, deep breathing, how to practice it through Pranayama, etc. But what needs to be discussed yet is the organ – the Lungs – the site of gaseous exchange. Hence, healthy Lungs are extremely vital for better breathing and optimum oxygen intake. Following a healthy lifestyle, devoid of smoking ensure a proper intake of oxygen in the body and a better mind and body balance.
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Premium Secure Lungs, when accompanied with Pranayama, can work wonders to restore and facilitate Prana in cells!
Conclusion:
To alter one’s current breathing mechanism for the better, it would be tough initially as one might have to forcefully take longer breaths. But gradually, it would become a natural thing!! For those who have congested lungs, which prevents them from breathing properly, Life Aveda Premium Secure Lungs is the ultimate lifesaver. A great life is just a breath away. Start TODAY!
