Pranayama - importance of breathing is even today not understood very well. Deep breathing is very rarely practiced. Most of the people breathe shallow. The breath is fast and shallow. The main reason for this is that everybody is in a hurry. There is increased stress and modern day living increases the incidence of quicker and less deep breaths. People are emotional, hence anger, excitement, worry, and other negative emotions find way very easily into their minds and cause irregularities in breathing. These occur mostly unconsciously and hence need to be addressed seriously in order to be identified and rectified.
This decreased quality of breathing results in less intake of oxygen, which in turn, reduces the vitality of a person. Another effect of this irregular breathing is increased incidence of diseases and illnesses. There is a drastic reduction in resistance to diseases. Thus, common colds and other ailments occur frequently. Decrease in oxygen level can even contribute to the occurrence of cancer, strokes, and heart diseases. The normal sedentary life style allows the use of only ten percent of total lung capacity of a person. This amount of oxygen is enough to survive and live a life but is certainly not enough to live a life of vigor and vitality. Breathing correctly would ensure a longer and healthier life for everyone.
Pranayama or yogic breathing is gaining importance as the essence of improvement of life in general. The benefits are manifold and unbelievable. All about pranayama can be learnt from a yoga teacher or instructor. It is always better and wise to follow the instructions of an instructor since the breathing exercises should be performed correctly and completely for the benefits. Incorrect method can even cause harm in the way of respiratory illnesses.
Yogic breathing can also be practiced while walking or bhraman. Thus evening walks and morning walks can be utilized to practice the right method of breathing too. This pranayama is part of the sahaj pranayama. There is no retention of breath in this pranayama. There is only alternate inhalation or puraka and exhalation called rechaka. This customary inhalation and exhalation is conducted in a controlled, slow and steady manner. While walking the exhalation and inhalation should be in synchronization with the steps taken. This is the base of bhraman pranayama. It can be practiced while sitting too. A clean, dust-free place with lots of fresh air is ideal for this exercise. There is continuous deep and complete breathing in a slow and steady manner through the nostrils.
Information regarding Pranayama - stages, kinds and the process of breathing is provided to all yoga enthusiasts so that they imbibe the matter in all its sincerity. Yoga is a continuous learning process through which the purification of mind and body takes place. Pranayama and the importance of breathing are making a mark on the people. The postures or asanas when practiced along with its breathing ensure that the purpose is complete and their regular performance would definitely benefit the person. Yoga has many therapeutic benefits and is proved to relieve symptoms of asthma, joint pain, back pain, etc.