In yoga we breathe through the nose. Our bellys rise with deep, full inhales, and soften down with complete slow exhales. Why do we breathe in this slow and purposeful way?
- Relaxes the body, allowing stress to melt away as tense muscles unfurl
- Centers us, quieting the mental chatter in our heads
- Improves concentration and mental clarity
- Allows us to find a steady rythm with flowing movements
- Increases strength of abdominal muscles and diaphragm
- Greater joint mobility within ribcage and spine as lungs expand
- Resting heart rate (pulse) decreased with greater supply of oxygen the blood is carrying to the body
- Assists in developing and maintaining a centered, positive attitude.
Nose breathing affects the nervous system differently than mouth breathing:
- slower, deeper breathing improves concentration and stamina.
- keeps warmth inside the body more efficiently than mouth breathing.
- keeps the sinuses open, moist and healthly
Emphasizing breath during challenging poses establish a sense of power and control. The breath during a pose will determine the body's ability to deepen into a stretch, gather endurance to maintain a contraction, allow balance to occur, and to mentally focus during the work.
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