People understand that Yoga training can be beneficial to their overall health, but few of them understand the importance of breathing properly while performing yoga. Each breath we take, whether it is a long and deep breath or a short panting breath, has a physical effect on our bodies. Combine this with the mental and muscular exercises in Hatha Yoga, and the way one breathes while transitioning through or when holding a pose is just as important as the pose itself.
Pranayama is the form of yogic breathing commonly practiced during Yoga classes. Each breath inhaled must be exhaled, and the position our body is in determines the duration that the breath is in our body. Controlling pranayama during Yoga training sessions provides oxygen to the body and also causes the body to release toxins and waste products from our body.
Paying attention to our breathing during a yoga class is essential in maintaining a healthy body. If our breathing is too shallow or too quick, we starve our bodies of much-needed oxygen, allowing toxins to build. Lack of oxygen from improper breathing also decreases blood flow, causing fatigue. The exhaustion and lack of energy makes it difficult to enjoy the activities that we once enjoyed. By learning proper breathing techniques and using them with the yoga exercises and postures, we can increase our energy levels and allow our bodies to stay healthy.
One of the first things yoga instructors should teach students is a better way to breathe during yoga training and during life’s daily situations. Breathing is such a vital part of life and practicing yoga for maintaining energy during the asana exercises and also for your daily health.
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