The Hindu-Yogi Science of Breath (1903)

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Following the yamas, we find the niyamas. These can be thought of as a set of personal observances to prepare body, mind, and spirit for the more advanced practices that come next. And not only is Man dependent upon Breath for life, but he is largely dependent upon correct habits of breathing for continued vitality and freedom from disease. An intelligent control of our breathing power will lengthen our days upon earth by giving us increased vitality and powers of resistance, and, on the other hand, unintelligent and careless breathing will tend to shorten our days, by decreasing our vitality and laying us open to disease.

This is generally thought of as breath-work, and yet it is so much more. To understand it, we can look at the word itself. Prana can be translated as life force, and ayama means to draw out or extend. When put together, pranayama is about extending the life force, rather than just about breath control. Through increasing and enhancing the capacity to store prana, the yogi is able to experience and hold higher and higher states of consciousness as they move toward an enlightened state of being. Pratyahara A comprehensive guide to get started with all things yoga. Sadhguru's articles clarify exactly what yoga is and what it's not, give us an introduction to many awe-inspiring yogis, and present us with tips to get the best out of our yoga practice. The name “Solar” is well bestowed on this second “brain” as it radiates strength and energy to all parts of the body, even the upper brains depending largely upon it as a storehouse of Prana. The breathing mechanism of Man is constructed to breathe either through the mouth or nasal tubes, but it is a matter of vital importance which method to follow. One way brings health and strength, the other disease and weakness. Breathing through your mouth violates nature’s law and sows the seeds of disease.a b c d Larson-Meyer, D. Enette (2016). "A Systematic Review of the Energy Cost and Metabolic Intensity of Yoga". Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. 48 (8): 1558–1569. doi: 10.1249/MSS.0000000000000922. ISSN 0195-9131. PMID 27433961. Sadhguru, looks at what kriya yoga means, and what it takes to walk this path and explore the very mechanics of the life process. The science of yoga is the scientific basis of modern yoga as physical exercise in human sciences such as anatomy, physiology, and psychology. Yoga's effects are to some extent shared with other forms of exercise, [O 1] though it differs in the amount of stretching involved, and because of its frequent use of long holds and relaxation, in its ability to reduce stress. Yoga is here treated separately from meditation, which has effects of its own, though yoga and meditation are combined in some schools of yoga.

In this comprehensive guide to the fundamentals of hatha yoga, yogi and mystic Sadhguru introduces us to this phenomenal science. In a series of articles, he corrects many misunderstandings about the process and explores how we can reap the maximum benefits hatha yoga has to offer.Breathing and posture affect each other, especially through their effects on the diaphragm. [30] Breathing also affects the autonomic nervous system; quiet breathing slows the heart and reduces blood pressure. Together, these produce a feeling of calmness and relaxation. [31] One way to do this is used in one form of yoga breathing ( pranayama): the exhalation is counted to be twice as long as the inhalation, say inhale to a count of 3 and exhale to a count of 6. [32] Alter, Joseph (2004). Yoga in Modern India: the body between science and philosophy. Princeton University Press. ISBN 978-0-691-11874-1. Likewise, if the air you breathe is filled with pollutants the body has to work harder to neutralise the threat. It is advisable to eliminate buying household products that contain toxins. If you meditate, consider creating a space that is free of any products with toxic chemicals in it. Yogic Breathing Yoga can be used as exercise to help maintain physical fitness. A complete yoga session with asanas and pranayama provides on average a moderate workout. [b] Surya Namaskar (the 12-asana Salute to the Sun sequence) ranged from light to vigorous exercise, depending on how it was performed. [c] The average for a session of yoga practice without Surya Namaskar was light or moderate exercise. [d] [P 6] [P 7] Cardiovascular health [ edit ]