Hatha Yoga Practice Level Breath

Hatha Yoga practice level breath starts with the total volume of air, which our lungs have the capacity to contain. This is known as our “vital capacity". A more appropriate term man cannot imagine. In fact, incalculable techniques have been dreamed up, all aimed at increasing our vital capacity. Before considering how to improve this, we should take advantage of what we already have. This is done, first and foremost by carefully exhaling well, that way we rid our bodies of all toxins. Yoga acknowledges 3 disparate forms of breathing. They are diaphragmatic, intercostal, and clavicular. The complete yogic breath is a combination of all 4, and forms the ideal technique.

Diaphragmatic breathing

Most people breathe in this fashion. The diaphragm collapses while we draw breath in, as our abdominal region puffs up. Although this is the least defective way of breathing, it is still not complete. Here, the base of our lungs fills up with air, and the rhythmic lowering of the diaphragm engenders a continuous, gentle massage of the whole abdominal content, which helps the organs function well.

Intercostal breathing

We do this by lifting up our ribs by expanding our thoracic cage or chest wall. This happens like a pair of bellows. In this form of breathing we fill the middle section of our lungs, thereby permitting less air to enter than in abdominal respiration. More importantly, this also entails a lot more effort.

Clavicular breathing

In this way of breathing we introduce air into the lungs by raising our collarbone and shoulders. Like this, just the upper part of the lungs is supplied fresh air. This happens to be the least satisfactory way of breathing.

Complete breathing

Complete Yoga breath includes all e ways, put together into a single, full and rhythmic movement. The technique is best learnt when you lie on your back. Given below is a brief description of the different phases:

• Empty your lungs completely.
• Gradually and unhurriedly lower your diaphragm, drawing air into your lungs. Your abdomen puffs out and fills the bottom of your lungs with air...
• This will dilate your ribs without straining, them
• Now let your lungs fully inflate by lifting your collarbones.

Throughout this session, the air must stream in with a continuous flow. You must not gasp. Nor must you make any because it is crucial to breathe noiselessly.

However, it is of the utmost importance that you focus your the mind fully upon the act of breathing.