Breath is one of our most important physiological functions but one which we neglect the most because we do it unconsciously. We can live without food and water for many days but not without air, even for a few minutes.** The rushed modern-day lifestyle and being engaged in multiple activities at a time and intense mental work, our breath has become labored, shallow, and sometimes jerky. So, what is the natural way to breathe, and how do we correct it?**
The correct manner of breathing has an enormous influence on our health. But many times, we don’t even realise we are not breathing properly.
“Breath is the bridge which connects life to consciousness, which unites your body to your thoughts. Whenever your mind becomes scattered, use your breath as the means to take hold of your mind again.”
―Buddhist monk, Thich Nhat Hanh, The Miracle of Mindfulness: An Introduction to the Practice of Meditation
If your breathing is out of sync, a daily practice of awareness of your breath and correcting it goes a long way in better health. At any stage of life, we can always strive to correct our breathing.
What is the natural way of breathing?
.We can combine diaphragm breathing with correct rhythm to establish a correct breathing pattern.
Since we breathe unconsciously, we need to have a regular practice of observation and correction of breath if wrongly done. In fact, in any yogic practice, before teaching pranayama, as a first step, rhythmic diaphragm practice is taught.
Let’s practice this method.
Build up the rhythm slowly and with consistency. Do not use forced, harsh actions. The breathing should happen noiselessly. Develop this practice mindfully
There are different schools of thought about the number of counts to inhale, hold and exhale. A recommendation from the book Hinton on Health states that every healthy baby is born with a breathing rhythm of seven seconds. i.e. build upon the above practice to achieve 7 counts of inhalation, 7 counts of holding and 7 counts of exhalation.
Image credit: johnhain via Pixabay
You can also use this mantra “Breathing in, I calm body and mind. Breathing out, I smile. Dwelling in the present moment, I know this is the only moment.” – From Buddhist monk Thic Nhat Hanh.
Try this rhythmic deep breathing practice anywhere example – In your car, while walking, while waiting etc.
We also breathe through the pores in our skin. Too many layers of clothes, tight clothing, synthetic fabric, cosmetics applied on the skin do not allow the skin to breathe and take in the benefits of the healing quality of air.
The skin is an organ of elimination too. Good air circulation helps in proper elimination. Allowing air to touch all parts of the skin stimulates it, improves circulation and proper elimination. The net result is better health.
Opt to use natural fabrics like linen and cotton, loose clothing as per the weather and take a walk in natural surroundings with light cotton clothes to get a good air bath. Remember to practice deep, rhythmic breathing as you walk or exercise.
References:
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Breath is one of our most important physiological functions but one which we neglect the most because we do it unconsciously. We can live without food and water for many days but not without air, even for a few minutes.** The rushed modern-day lifestyle and being engaged in multiple activities at a time and intense mental work, our breath has become labored, shallow, and sometimes jerky. So, what is the natural way to breathe, and how do we correct it?**
The correct manner of breathing has an enormous influence on our health. But many times, we don’t even realise we are not breathing properly.
“Breath is the bridge which connects life to consciousness, which unites your body to your thoughts. Whenever your mind becomes scattered, use your breath as the means to take hold of your mind again.”
―Buddhist monk, Thich Nhat Hanh, The Miracle of Mindfulness: An Introduction to the Practice of Meditation
If your breathing is out of sync, a daily practice of awareness of your breath and correcting it goes a long way in better health. At any stage of life, we can always strive to correct our breathing.
What is the natural way of breathing?
.We can combine diaphragm breathing with correct rhythm to establish a correct breathing pattern.
Since we breathe unconsciously, we need to have a regular practice of observation and correction of breath if wrongly done. In fact, in any yogic practice, before teaching pranayama, as a first step, rhythmic diaphragm practice is taught.
Let’s practice this method.
Build up the rhythm slowly and with consistency. Do not use forced, harsh actions. The breathing should happen noiselessly. Develop this practice mindfully
There are different schools of thought about the number of counts to inhale, hold and exhale. A recommendation from the book Hinton on Health states that every healthy baby is born with a breathing rhythm of seven seconds. i.e. build upon the above practice to achieve 7 counts of inhalation, 7 counts of holding and 7 counts of exhalation.
Image credit: johnhain via Pixabay
You can also use this mantra “Breathing in, I calm body and mind. Breathing out, I smile. Dwelling in the present moment, I know this is the only moment.” – From Buddhist monk Thic Nhat Hanh.
Try this rhythmic deep breathing practice anywhere example – In your car, while walking, while waiting etc.
We also breathe through the pores in our skin. Too many layers of clothes, tight clothing, synthetic fabric, cosmetics applied on the skin do not allow the skin to breathe and take in the benefits of the healing quality of air.
The skin is an organ of elimination too. Good air circulation helps in proper elimination. Allowing air to touch all parts of the skin stimulates it, improves circulation and proper elimination. The net result is better health.
Opt to use natural fabrics like linen and cotton, loose clothing as per the weather and take a walk in natural surroundings with light cotton clothes to get a good air bath. Remember to practice deep, rhythmic breathing as you walk or exercise.
References:
TAGS
