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Breathing and Yoga: Why breath is good for you

Writer's picture: LauraLaura

This may be the most obvious statement ever. Of course breath is good for us, we'd die without it. Which is a valid point. But if we delve deeper into the science of breath and how it works, especially in the context of yoga. Breath is amazing.


The Parasympathetic Nervous System & Breath

The Parasympathetic Nervous System (PSNS) may sound like an intimidating concept - I know it threw me for a loop - but it's quite a simple and necessary part of all our bodies. The PSNS is a part of the ANS (Autonomic Nervous System) and is the counterpart to the fight or flight part of our brains. When we face stressful situations our Sympathetic Nervous System kicks into gear, making us alert, ready to run or fight, even ready to empty our bladder at a moments notice. The PSNS is like the tonic that calms us back down, regulating our heart rate, adrenal response and digestion back to our normal state. Taking us from a state of emotional and stress induced arousal to a state of relaxation and homeostasis.


So where does breath come into this? Deep, slow, and mindful breathing techniques activates the PSNS - encouraging the body to regulate itself back to its relaxed state. When stressed, people tend to breath in short shallow bursts, so by purposefully taking slow and deep breaths - or by pairing mind and body through pranayama - the body receives the signal that it is safe and can relax. Thereby calming the heart rate, relaxing the pupils in the eyes, activating saliva in the mouth and bile in the stomach to allow normal digestion to resume.


The effect of breath on the PSNS is one of the main reasons why those who are having a panic or anxiety attack are told to breath deeply. By bringing pranayama into your daily life you are actively activating the PSNS and encouraging a state of relaxation in the body, greatly reducing your stress levels.


How different ways of breathing affects the body

Beyond calming the parasympathetic nervous system, conscious and mindful breathing strengthens the lungs and surrounding respiratory muscles. It also improves the immune system, decreases the heart rate and stabilises blood pressure. Within the mind, pranayama techniques strengthen concentration and further establish the mind-body connection.


Pranayama techniques

There are many pranayama techniques to choose from and explore, some are more newcomer friendly than others so make sure you seek guidance before attempting.

For more information on pranayama and how to get started click here.


How to bring breath into everyday life

Bringing conscious mindful breath into everyday life is so accessible and easy. Equal breath for when you're at work dealing with something stressful. Nadi Shodana Pranayama (alternative nostril breathing) while listening to music or a podcast. Simply bringing awareness to the breath, without judgement or intent, at any time can help calm the nervous system and encourage further intake of oxygen.


By Laura Carey

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