Stressed out? Take a deeeeeeep breath....ahhhhhhh!

Breathing techniques are one of the most important aspects of any Yoga program. Breathing techniques find their application in almost all types of exercises and techniques that people use for their physical well-being. Breathing techniques provide great relief from stress and energy depletion, which is quite common in today's scenario of unhealthy competition and strife. Breathing techniques have been linked to ease out many medical problems, helping in mental calm, and also in spiritual practices that one undertakes.

It has been estimated that we breathe more than 17,000 times a day, but most of the times, we do it unconsciously. We are not aware about the time we should take to exhale or inhale. We also do not know the flow of air that we need to take: whether we should take deeper breaths or short ones. However, proper guidance about breathing techniques can work well for physical needs. It is said that short and speedy breath is the cause of fatigue, anxiety, and a loss of carbon dioxide that leads to the constricting of arteries and blood vessels. It is well observed that this type of breath involves the movements of chest muscles only; however, breathing techniques that involve deeper breaths incorporate use of belly to inhale and exhale. It goes without saying that deeper breaths are better than the short ones.
Learning to take a deep breath
It is quite easy to learn breathing techniques involving the use of belly. Below are some points that can illustrate these breathing techniques in a better way:
•Breathing techniques often involve deep breaths; however, to attain that breath, you need to empty out your belly from all the air. So, we start from the point of emptying the belly of total air. Once it is free of all the air, when you will inhale, you will automatically have deeper breaths.
•It is very important to note that you need to inhale through your nose and not mouth. If you have a tendency to inhale through your mouth, you probably will not get the results of these breathing techniques.

•Make it a regular practice to breathe deep. You can start by lying down, and can also choose some cool place where you have access to fresh air: morning time is the best one when you are practicing these breathing techniques

•If you have some occupation that are too much stressing and demanding in their work, these breathing techniques can work wonders for you. You can practice deep breathing in the evening also, and anywhere. It is just a matter of being knowledgeable and habitual to it.

Breathing techniques have their application in spiritual practices also. If you practice meditation and Yoga, you will need to adopt these breathing techniques anyhow, as almost all the Yoga practices start from breathing techniques. The control over your breath opens the gate of further controls that you need to achieve to be successful in meditation.