Deep Breathing – Part 2 – Complete Breath

My post is in continuation with the previous Deep Breathing – Why it should be done? In the first part we discussed the role of lungs and other organs. Here, I will dive further into the practice of Deep Breathing.

If, I ask you to deep breath, you could probably breath for 4-5 seconds and then exhale for the same time. In case you are wondering, what actually is a deep breath then just watch this video of Shri BKS Iyengar . This video clearly explains how a Yogi gets the control, the power and strength to deep breath for so long. It is only through the practice that such thing is achieved.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcPjvp4La8A

For beginners including me, in deep breath I recommend a very good and old book by Yogi Ramachakra where he makes you understand what is Complete breath and how it is done. On latter sections of the book he gives various breathing exercise, including of cleaning breath. It is short and easy to understand book. I think this book is written in early 1900s and the knowledge shared is unmatchable. All exercises or breathing pattern asked to do are very simple.

Science of breath

He calls the deep breath as the complete breath and explains how it should be done. The below excerpts are from his book.

1. Stand or sit erect.Breathing through the nostrils, inhale steadily, first filling the lower part of the lungs, which is accompanied by bringing into play the diaphragm, which descending exerts a gentle pressure on the abdominal organs, pushing forward the front walls of the abdomen. Then fill the middle part of the lungs, pushing out the lower ribs, breastbone and chest. Then fill the higher portion of the lungs, portuding the upper chest, thus lifting the chest including the upper six or seven pairs of the ribs.In the final movement , the lower part of the abdomen will be slightly drawn in, which movements gives a support and also helps to fill the highest part of the lungs.
2. Retain the breath a few seconds.
3. Exhale quite slowly, holding the chest in a firm position, and drawing the abdomen in a little and lifting it upward slowly as the air leaves the lungs. When the air is entirely exhaled, relax the chest and abdomen. A little  will practice render this part of the exercise easy, and the movement once acquired will be afterwards performed almost automatically.

There are many other short exercises given using Complete Breath. The breathing exercises are short, effective and explained in a very simple manner. I will be posting some of the breathing exercises as explained in this book.

Till then Happy Practicing.