Tara Yoga

Yoga For Beginners Guide

One of the five principles of yoga is breathing exercises or Pranayama, the basis behind the exercises are to teach us how to breathe properly. In yoga proper breathing is done when you are bringing more oxygen to the blood and the brain, Pranayama works together with the Asanas or poses in yoga to promote a healthier inner and outer being and these two principles are the highest form of self discipline and purification for both the body and the mind.

What is yogic breathing?

Pranayama is a series of exercises that are intended to keep the mind and body vibrant and in good health, Prana means life energy and yama means control therefore Pranayama means breathe control.

In our breathing process we breathe in and take oxygen into our body and this oxygen flows through the different parts of our body then when we breathe out and exhale carbon dioxide, this takes away all the toxic waste from our body’s.

By practicing yogic breathing the balance of carbon dioxide and oxygen is maintained properly. Breathing is the most important part of our life but so often we breathe the wrong way, very often we breathe too shallowly and fast and this way of breathing only uses a fraction of the lungs which results in a lack of oxygen.

Disorders such as heart disease sleep disorders and tiredness can all occur as a result of oxygen starvation. There are four stages of Pranayama:

• Arahmba – This is the beginning phase of Pranayama when our interest in awakened.
• Ghata – This is the stage when the three sariras which are gross, subtle and casual.
• Parichay – This is the stage where the person begins to understand the power of yogic breathing.
• Nispatti – This is the ultimate goal where the yogi becomes totally at peace with themselves.

The benefits of yogic breathing

Although breathing is a function which comes automatically it is something that is very rarely thought about or something that we concentrate on, so what are the benefits of yogic breathing?

Many of us have gotten into the habit of breathing badly and only using a fraction of the lungs breathing the yogic way teaches us to breathe slowly and deeply, which is the correct way of breathing and the one which is most beneficial to our health.

• Yogic breathing helps to eliminate waste and reduce the toxin build up.
• Yogic breathing helps to develop the concentration and gain better self control, our minds will then function properly and we have less problems.
• Yogic breathing practiced on a regular basis will help you to relax easier and this takes the stress and strain out of everyday life.