Mastering the Vital Force: Yogi Science of Breath

In the rush of modern life, we often forget the most fundamental act of our existence: breathing. The "Science of Breath" is not merely about physical health; it is a profound system that touches the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of a human being. According to the teachings of the Hindu Yogis, "Breath is Life," and an intelligent control of our breathing power can lengthen our days and increase our vitality.

The Core Philosophy: Prana and Vitality

While Western science focuses on the absorption of oxygen, the Yogi philosophy introduces a deeper concept: Prana. Prana is the "Absolute Energy" or "Vital Force" that distinguishes living things from the lifeless.

• Prana is Everywhere: It is found in all forms of life, from the amoeba to man.
• Storage in the Body: By controlled breathing, we can extract a greater supply of prana from the air and store it away in our brain and nerve centers to be used when needed.
• The Nervous System: Prana is the force that the nervous system uses for its work. The Solar Plexus, often called the "Abdominal Brain," serves as a great central storehouse of this vital energy.

Step 1: Correcting Your Method (Nostril vs. Mouth Breathing)

One of the first lessons in this science is learning to breathe through the nostrils and overcoming the "disgusting practice" of mouth breathing.

• The Protective Apparatus: The nostrils are designed to filter, warm, and moisten the air.
• Dangers of Mouth Breathing: Breathing through the mouth allows dust, impurities, and cold air to reach the lungs, which can lead to disease and inflammation.
• Practical Tip – Clearing the Nostrils: If your nostrils are clogged, try sniffing a little water up them and letting it run down the throat to be ejected through the mouth. Alternatively, practice closing one nostril and sniffing air through the other, alternating several times.

The Four Methods of Respiration

The Yogis classify breathing into four general methods, though only one is considered truly effective:

1. High Breathing: Often called "Clavicular Breathing," this only uses the upper part of the chest and is the most energy-wasting method.
2. Mid Breathing: Known as "Intercostal Breathing," it is better than High Breathing but still inferior.
3. Low Breathing: Also called "Abdominal Breathing," it is praised by many Westerners but is still only a partial method.
4. Yogi Complete Breath: This is the "cornerstone of the Temple of Health". It brings into play every part of the lungs, every air-cell, and every respiratory muscle.

How to Practice the Yogi Complete Breath

This exercise is the foundation of the entire system. It should not be a forced movement but a return to a natural state.

• The Inhalation: Stand or sit erect. Inhale steadily through the nostrils, filling the lower part of the lungs (low breath), then the middle part (mid breath), and finally the upper part of the chest (high breath).
• The Movement: This should be one continuous, uniform movement, not three jerky steps.
• Retention: Retain the breath for a few seconds.
• Exhalation: Exhale quite slowly, holding the chest in a firm position and drawing the abdomen in slightly as the air leaves.
• The Finish: Practice the Cleansing Breath (described below) to conclude.

Essential Practical Exercises for Daily Use

Beyond the Complete Breath, several specific exercises can be used for targeted benefits:

The Cleansing Breath

This exercise ventilates and cleanses the lungs and is used by Yogis to finish most breathing sessions.

1. Inhale a Complete Breath.
2. Retain for a few seconds.
3. Pucker the lips as if to whistle and exhale a little air with considerable vigor.
4. Stop for a moment, then exhale a little more, repeating until all air is expelled.

The Nerve Vitalizing Breath

This is one of the strongest nerve stimulants known to man.

1. Stand erect and inhale a Complete Breath, then retain it.
2. Extend your arms straight in front of you.
3. Slowly draw the hands back to the shoulders, gradually contracting the muscles until the fists are tightly clenched and a tremulous motion is felt.
4. Keep the muscles tense and push the fists out and back rapidly several times.
5. Exhale vigorously and follow with the Cleansing Breath.

Inhibiting Pain

The Yogis use rhythmic breathing combined with thought to alleviate pain.

• The Method: Lie down or sit erect and breathe rhythmically. As you exhale, send the mental command to the painful part to "drive out" the pain. This uses the power of the Will to direct prana to the affected area.

The Power of Rhythmic Breathing

Rhythmic breathing involves timing your breath to the beat of your own heart. This puts the body in harmony with the vibrations of nature.

• Find Your Beat: Place your fingers on your pulse to find your heart rate.
• The Ratio: Inhale for a certain number of pulse units, retain for half that number, and exhale for the same number as the inhalation. For example, if you inhale for 6 beats, retain for 3, and exhale for 6.
• Mental Benefits: This practice can be used to control emotions like fear, worry, and anger by concentrating on the Solar Plexus and sending the mental command "Get Out" with the exhaled breath.

Conclusion: Breath as Spiritual Connection

Ultimately, the Science of Breath leads to Soul Consciousness. The Yogi recognizes that the real Self is independent of the body and uses the body only as a "Temple of the Spirit". By mastering the breath, you are not just improving your lungs; you are yoking yourself to the universal energy of the world. Remember the old Hindu saying: "Blessed is the Yogi who can breathe through his bones".

  Disclaimer - Not a professional medical advice, only education purpose.