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The way one breathes while performing yogic postures is inextricably linked to the yoga postures themselves. Let us see how these breathing techniques are so important while performing the exercises. Yoga is known to have a positive effect on the body as well as the mind. It not only helps provide strength and flexibility to the muscles and bones and help burn the extra fat in the body, but also has a soothing and calming effect on the mind. Add to the exercises a proper breathing technique and the positive effects are felt much more, causing you to feel relaxed and peaceful even after the exertions of your yoga sessions. Yoga is probably the only form of exercise that blends the art of physical training with proper breathing techniques. The breathing techniques have also been known to have spiritual benefits. The air we breathe helps in the intake of pranic currents that are said to be the life giving element as per yoga traditions. With each breathing cycle, we inhale this pranic energy that helps to purify the body as well as the mind. When we exhale deeply, all the impurities and stress is exhaled out, causing us to feel relaxed and calm. Breathing is where our cellular respiration process starts. Deep breathing causes more oxygen to be provided to each cell of our body which is used to carry out their respective processes and functions. The cells in turn produce more energy and output, thereby causing us to become healthier and more energetic. When we exhale, the byproduct of respiration, carbon dioxide, goes out of the body along with the toxic materials. If we do not breathe deep enough, the body does not receive enough oxygen to carry out the various functions and thus proper respiration does not take place. Therefore, in order to have adequate oxygen intake and a calm mind, deep breathing is of utmost importance. When you exercise, the body needs more oxygen to cater to the increased body activities and functions. The heart rate increases and the body cells are subject to more stress. Therefore, deep breathing during yoga exercises causes more oxygen to be inhaled into the body, resulting into adequate supply of oxygen to each cell of the body. The carbon dioxide is expelled more effectively and the fresh breath is naturally taken more easily and deeply by the body. Hence the physiological and psychological advantages of breathing techniques while performing yoga exercises are many and can go a long way to keep your body healthy and your mind relaxed and focused.
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