Breath and Yoga

Breath is an unconscious process in which, through the inspiration of air, we transfer oxygen to the blood (hematosis), which transports it, together with the circulatory system, to all tissues, producing a gaseous exchange in their cells that converts oxygen to carbon dioxide. The latter is expelled through expiration by the reverse process.

The connection between respiration, the circulatory system, our tissues (muscles, joints, ligaments, bones, viscera, fasciae, skin, nerves…), and each and every one of our cells, including the brain cells, is evident. That is, the breath connects with everything physical that is in us.

The work of breathing is fundamental in yoga, it plays an important role in the practice of postures (asanas) and is essential in pranayama in which we become aware of and control the respiratory process.

In the exercises you have to breathe through the nose trying to lengthen it (ujjayi). Inspiration should start from the top of the rib cage, this helps straighten the spine and makes it easier for the diaphragm to descend to fill the lungs.

The expiration will be the opposite, we will empty the lungs first, contracting the abdominal area, in this way we will protect the lumbar during the exercise.

We will associate inspiration with extension movements, and expiration with flexion, rotation or inclination. This rhythmic breathing helps to homogenize the movement and positively influences the muscles and the viscera.

It is important that the movement is integrated into the respiratory cycle, that is, that we start inspiration and expiration before the movement and finish it a few seconds later. It is also advisable to take breaks with full lungs and / or with empty lungs. Between asanas it is convenient to stop for a few seconds and observe changes in breathing.

The breathing should be slow, deep and rhythmic throughout the practice, saving practices that specifically seek a different work of breathing (such as the breath of fire in Kundalini yoga).

The work of breathing in yoga is organized by the time used in four phases: time of inspiration, time with full lungs, time of expiration and time with empty lungs.

In pranayama, the rhythm and timing of the different respiratory phases acquires great relevance and by changing them, relaxing or stimulating effects are achieved. As always, I recommend that you start your breathing practices with a teacher who will accompany you and adapt the practice to your personal path.