Yoga Breathing

In yoga we breathe through the nose.

Our belly's rise with deep, full inhales, and soften down with complete slow exhales. We breathe slowly and purposefully to Relax our body, allowing stress to melt away as tense muscles unfurl. It helps to:

• Centers us, quieting the mental chatter in our heads

• Improves concentration / mental clarity

• Find a steady rhythm with flowing movements

• Increases abdominal Strength

• Greater joint mobility within rib cage and spine as lungs expand

• Resting heart rate (pulse) decreased because greater supply of oxygen the blood is carrying to the body

• Helps maintain a centered, positive attitude.

Nose breathing affects the nervous system differently than mouth breathing:

• Improves concentration and stamina.

• keeps warmth inside body

• keeps sinuses open, moist and healthy

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.