Why is breathing important in yoga practice?

Have you ever tried yoga? It is a body-mind practice that in my opinion allows you to relax well, if you are often prey to stress. Yogi's perform postures, called asanas. But, know that it does not stop at simple positions, human breathing being essential in yoga. Breathing represents life, because it allows the body to survive by recharging with oxygen and releasing CO². Unfortunately, this is often unconscious, poorly done or too fast. So what am I going to talk to you about here? The breathing in yoga that I want to show you here, is called Prânâyâma, is conscious, deep and provides several virtues.

Prânâyâma: the art of breathing in yoga

A bit of etymology! In Sanskrit, Prânâyâma means energy (Prana) and vitality (Ayama). But, you are not more advanced. It is the practice of breathing through exercises allowing to control and consciously direct the Prana energy.

Just like me, you may experience a period where you are more stressed or anxious. It's human, right? As a result, your breathing is more jerky and short. You may even feel bad. In my opinion, good abdominal breathing is slow and conscious.

Yoga breathing is a fundamental principle in the practice of yoga. The postures are always associated with the yogic breathing that gives them rhythm. One does not go without the other. Without Prana energy, yoga would not exist. As this is brought by the breath, breathing is important. Logical, right? Breathing helps to circulate vital energy in the body, providing several benefits for good health:

- You feel more physically fit,

- You are more zen,

- It helps you lower your blood pressure and eliminate toxins,

- You can concentrate more easily,

- Your blood circulation is improved,

- Your self-confidence is increased,

- Your mind is clearer,

- You fight certain diseases more effectively.

Now, a little practice. Pranayama breathing is done through the nose while concentrating on your breath. First, you exhale and release the excess air from your lungs. Then, you inhale the outside air called Prana. Your breaths are deep and slow. The exhalations are twice as long. After an inhalation and exhalation, take a breathing pause for a few seconds. Know that there are various breaths in yoga .

In the jungle of yogic breathing

Full breath

If you had to remember just one, it would be this one, because it is the most well-known yoga breathing . It combines abdominal, thoracic and clavicular breathing. You inhale from the bottom up (stomach, ribs, collarbones) and the same for exhalation.

Alternate Nostril Breathing

In a seated position, close one nostril and then practice full breathing . Do this by alternating the nostrils. Inhale through the one that is open and then exhale through the one that is closed. This breath stimulates one hemisphere of the brain and then the other.

Solar breathing

This is the method par excellence to diffuse Prana energy throughout the body. Solar breathing is complete, standing or sitting, but in addition with arm movements following the breath. When inhaling, your limbs rise from the belly to above the head, forming a circle. A breathing pause follows.

So, you know what? My advice in times of stress, adopt conscious breathing especially during a yoga session. Do not hesitate to read the article on the benefits of yoga for more information on the advantages of the practice.