Why is Breathing So Important in Yoga Practice?

Yoga is an ancient practice originating from the Indian subcontinent. It has gained worldwide popularity as a holistic mind-body discipline. In the West, we tend to mistakenly equate yoga with a fitness exercise, reducing it purely to a physical practice. In reality, it is much bigger than that. Among one of its key foundational elements is the breath, or, more accurately, breath control. In Yoga, this is referred to in its Sanskrit term, Pranayama. So, why is breathing so important in yoga?

Though this might seem like it has an obvious answer (my immediate thought was “So we don’t keel over on the mat, perhaps?”), it is in fact, like all things in Yoga, far more nuanced.

Pranayama plays a crucial role in yoga, impacting physical, mental, and spiritual aspects. In this article, we explore how breath influences the body’s physiology, calms the mind, enhances asana practice, and connects with the spiritual dimension of yoga. For the yoga beginner, understanding the importance of breath will lay a strong foundation for your practice and massively enhance the transformative power of yoga in your life.

Why am I writing about something that seems so obvious? Because though we know cognitively that the breath is important, in practice our minds tend to want to rush to the ephemeral finish line. In my case, that’s pressing up to a long-held handstand.

The secret to getting there quicker? It’s not pushing past your physical limits. It’s the breath. 

Key Takeaways

The Physiology of Breathing in Yoga

The Psychological Benefits of Breathing in Yoga

The Physical Impact of Breathing in Yoga Poses

The Spiritual Dimension of Breath in Yoga

Different Types of Pranayama 

Integrating Pranayama into Yoga Practice 

FAQs

• Breath control, or Pranayama, is a foundational element of yoga with significant physical, mental, and spiritual implications.
• Diaphragmatic breathing enhances relaxation, reduces stress, and supports bodily functions.
• Pranayama exercises improve lung capacity, respiratory efficiency, and overall lung health, promoting vitality and well-being.
• Conscious breathing fosters mindfulness, anchoring the mind to the present moment, and reducing mental chatter.
• Synchronized breath with movement enhances balance, stability, and endurance in yoga poses, reducing the risk of injuries.
• Breath is intimately connected to prana, the life force energy, facilitating spiritual connection and inner awareness.
• Pranayama serves as a bridge to meditation, preparing the mind for a focused and transformative experience.
• Different pranayama techniques, such as Ujjayi, Nadi Shodhana, and Dirga Pranayama, offer various benefits and can be integrated into yoga practice for optimal results.

Breathing is something we take for granted. It’s an autonomous process, like blinking, and therefore we go about our day not really paying much attention to how we breathe.

On the yoga mat, though, things are different. To develop an awareness of the breath with some integrity, we first need to understand the physiology of the breath. This section will look at the mechanics of breathing, and the role of the respiratory system in yoga.

Breathing is an involuntary process that involves the inhalation of oxygen and the exhalation of carbon dioxide. In yoga, the emphasis shifts toward conscious, deep breathing known as diaphragmatic breathing. The diaphragm is that dome-shaped muscle below the lungs. When we inhale, the diaphragm contracts and moves downward, expanding the chest cavity and drawing air into the lungs. As we exhale, the diaphragm relaxes, pushing air out of the lungs.

Our autonomic nervous system is comprised of three sub-systems: the parasympathetic nervous system, the sympathetic nervous system, and the enteric nervous system. Respectively, they are responsible for rest and digestion, fight or flight, and gut instinct responses.

In yoga, diaphragmatic breathing stimulates the vagus nerve, activating the parasympathetic nervous system, which induces relaxation. Unlike shallow breathing which can both result in and trigger a stress response, deep diaphragmatic breathing triggers a relaxation response, reducing anxiety and promoting overall well-being.

Proper breath control enhances oxygenation of the blood, improving energy levels and supporting bodily functions. During yoga practice, synchronizing breath with movement allows for better balance, stability, and endurance in various asanas, not just on a physical level, but mentally as well. When we are operating from a restful and relaxed state, we react more reasonably to external stimuli than we would if we were stuck in fight-or-flight response. This state is called out “window of tolerance”, a term coined by Dan Seigel in 1999.

When we breathe, the lungs absorb oxygen from the air, which then enters the bloodstream and is distributed throughout the body. Simultaneously, carbon dioxide, a waste product, is expelled from the body through exhalation. This continuous exchange of gases sustains vital bodily functions and maintains an optimal balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood.

Pranayama exercises have a profound impact on lung capacity, respiratory efficiency, and overall lung health. Through specific breathing techniques like deep inhales and extended exhales, the lung’s capacity to hold and process air increases. Regular pranayama practice enhances respiratory muscles, allowing for more controlled breathing patterns.

Additionally, pranayama aids in cleansing the respiratory system, clearing out accumulated toxins, and promoting healthier lung function. All this contributes to keeping us in our Window of Tolerance, where we are calm, centered, and grounded

This is perhaps where the stereotype of the Zen yoga practitioner originated. 

Before we even consider the physical benefits the breath has on the body, it’s important to know the psychological effects, as this is one aspect we notice an improvement in after consistent practice though we may not immediately make the connection.

This section will address how the breath leads to a calmer mind and a more present-moment focus.

The link between breath and the parasympathetic nervous system is crucial in promoting relaxation during yoga. When we engage in deep, slow breathing, particularly through diaphragmatic breaths, the parasympathetic nervous system is activated. This activation counterbalances the fight-or-flight response of the sympathetic nervous system, leading to a state of calm and relaxation.

As a result, stress and anxiety levels are significantly reduced, leading to tranquility and peace during yoga practice.

When we are in fight-or-flight, we experience sweating, increased heart rate, dry mouth, trembling muscles, and more rapid shallow breaths. Emotionally, we may feel nervous, anxious, worried, annoyed, frustrated, angry, and at the extreme, rageful or panicky.

When we are in rest-and-digest, our muscles are relaxed, we are breathing normally, our heart rate returns to its regular rate and functions non-vital for immediate survival (like digestive and reproductive functions) reactivate. Emotionally, we feel calm, grounded, and relaxed.

Conscious breathing serves as an anchor to the present moment in yoga practice. By focusing on each inhale and exhale, you can draw your attention away from distractions and immerse yourself fully in the present experience.

This heightened awareness fosters mindfulness, enabling you to embrace the current moment without judgment or attachment to past or future thoughts.

Pranayama, as a mindful breath practice, plays a central role in quieting mental chatter and promoting mental clarity. By regulating the breath, pranayama helps to harmonize the mind and body, creating a sense of inner stillness and mental focus.

The meditative nature of pranayama allows you to experience moments of tranquility, unlocking deeper levels of self-awareness and connection to the present moment. This makes it a great tool to have to help overcome the nervousness and fogginess you might experience before and during public speaking.

In this way, we can see how yoga is not confined to the four corners of your yoga mat and actually has really tangible applicability to events in your daily life. 

For many of us in the West, our entry point into yoga is through the asana practice. For a large proportion of Western practitioners, that’s where our focus tends to stay. Because of that, I’m often asked “Why is breathing so important in yoga?”.

It’s understandable why people are keen to know the connection. This section will look at how the breath supports yoga asanas, and how it helps with muscle function on the mat.

Synchronized breath with movement is a cornerstone of yoga practice, enhancing balance and stability during asanas. As we inhale and move into a pose, the expansion of the chest and abdomen provides a stable foundation. Exhaling during transitions allows for better control and a sense of grounding.

This breath-body coordination ensures smoother movements and reduces the risk of wobbling or losing balance. In your practice, when trying a balance pose such as Vrkshasana (Tree Pose), try paying attention to the effect of the breath on your balance. You might find that when you hold your breath and focus intently on not falling, you have less control over your balance than when you focus instead on deep, controlled inhales and exhales.

Breath control plays a vital role in holding challenging postures. When encountering difficult poses, controlled breathing helps to steady the mind and relax the body, allowing you to stay in the pose longer if you feel that’s right for you.

Coordinated breathing, particularly in conjunction with pranayama, enhances the flow of energy (prana) throughout the body. As breath and movement synchronize, the vital life force is channeled more effectively through the nadis, the subtle energy pathways of the body. This heightened energy flow revitalizes the body and mind, promoting a sense of vitality and focus during practice.

Incorporating breath into muscle engagement also helps oxygenate muscles, optimizing their function and endurance. As you consciously breathe, your muscles receive a fresh supply of oxygen, reducing fatigue and discomfort. This improved oxygenation aids in elongating and softening muscles, resulting in enhanced flexibility and mobility, reducing the risk of injury, and improving overall health. This is where the breath becomes the foundation of asana.

Mindful breathing during asanas prevents overexertion and minimizes the risk of injuries by keeping you attuned to your physical limitations.

Yoga is often referred to as a spiritual practice. If the breath is one of the fundamental components of yoga, then let’s explore how it is connected to the spiritual element of the practice. This section will look at Life Force Energy and the connection between the breath and meditation to develop inner awareness.

In yoga philosophy, prana is the vital life force that sustains all living beings. It is the subtle energy that animates the body and mind, representing the essence of life itself. Prana is intimately connected to the breath, as the breath is the primary vehicle through which prana is absorbed and circulated throughout the body.

Through conscious breath control in pranayama, practitioners can harness and direct prana to balance the body’s energy and promote overall well-being./

The relationship between breath, prana, and the subtle energy channels known as nadis is central to understanding the spiritual dimension of yoga. Nadis are energy pathways that intersect the body, carrying prana to every cell and aspect of the being.

By purifying and balancing the nadis through breath-centered practices, practitioners can cultivate a harmonious flow of prana, leading to a deeper connection to their spiritual essence.

Breath-centered practices act as a bridge between the physical and the spiritual, preparing the mind for meditation. Conscious breathing helps calm mental fluctuations and distractions, allowing you to enter a more receptive and focused state. As the mind attunes to the rhythm of the breath, it becomes a gateway to inner awareness.

In meditation, the breath serves as an anchor to the present moment, helping you remain centered and fully present. The steady flow of breath supports sustained concentration and eases the mind into a meditative state, where inner stillness and expanded awareness can be experienced. This doesn’t happen instantly, though. Be patient. Yoga is a lifetime practice. I have yet to really understand if I’ve truly experienced expanded awareness yet.

Pranayama encompasses a wide array of breathing techniques that go beyond basic breath control. They are separated into three categories – heating, cooling, and equalizing.

The following breathing exercises are three common pranayama techniques called Ujjayi, Nadi Shodhana, and Dirga Pranayama, and they also happen to be my favorite go-to’s.

You could create a short daily routine from these three (start with #3, then #2, then #1) and it would last you a lifetime.

Known as the “victorious breath,” Ujjayi involves constricting the back of the throat, creating a gentle hissing sound during both inhalation and exhalation – imagine trying to whisper with your mouth closed.

This technique helps deepen the breath and calms the mind. In asana, it’s often used in Ashtanga yoga practices or breath-based Hatha yoga practices. Technically, it is a cooling breath practice, though it can be used to generate heat, too.

Also called “alternate nostril breathing,” Nadi Shodhana involves alternating the breath through the nose, through each nostril alternatively using specific hand positions (Nasagra mudra – it utilizes the thumb and the ring finger of the right hand).

It restores equilibrium in the autonomic nervous system and promotes mental clarity and emotional balance. This is a great one to do after Belly Breath and before giving an important speech. It falls into the “equalizing” category.

Known as the “three-part breath,” or “full yogic breath”, Dirga Pranayama is a step up from Belly Breath (sometimes referred to as yogic breathing) and is a cooling technique that enhances breath awareness.

Where Belly Breath focuses the mind only on the belly, Dirga Pranayama also draws attention to breathing into the rib cage (strengthening and stretching the intercostal muscles), and into the upper chest, before releasing the breath slowly from each section in one smooth, long exhale.

Each pranayama technique should be approached mindfully, and you should be aware of any contraindications before incorporating them into your practice.

Always consult with a trusted medical professional before starting any new practice. If you’re a beginner at pranayama, I strongly advise you to practice under the guidance of a trained teacher or yoga therapist.

To integrate pranayama into yoga practice, it’s essential to start with a few minutes of breath awareness, settling into a comfortable position either on the floor or on a chair. Belly Breath is a great way to do this. For many beginners, this might be where you stay for a few months before exploring other breathing techniques.

Remember, this is not a race. Personally, I still practice Belly Breath the most, and I stuck with it for several weeks before trying other breathing practices. Developing breath awareness with integrity is key to experiencing the benefits of all other types of pranayama.

Afterward, you can introduce pranayama techniques during specific segments of your yoga practice, such as the beginning or end of a class.

In asana practice, combining breath with movement enhances the flow and grace of each posture. For instance, utilizing Ujjayi breath during Vinyasa sequences creates a meditative flow, synchronizing breath with movement. However, I spent a good few months purely focusing on my breath in asana, without applying any specific technique. Ujjayi can be quite tricky at first, so take your time with it.

During meditation sessions, pranayama can act as a powerful gateway to inner stillness and focused awareness. Incorporating Nadi Shodhana before meditation calms the mind and prepares it for a centered meditation experience.

In this article, we explored the profound significance of what it means to breathe deeply in yoga practice. We delved into the physiological functions of breathing, its impact on the mind, and how it enhances the physical aspects of asanas. Moreover, we explored the spiritual dimension of breath, connecting it to the concept of prana and its role in meditation.

Breath is a potent tool that influences physical, mental, and spiritual well-being in yoga. By consciously cultivating breath awareness and incorporating pranayama techniques, practitioners can deepen their practice and experience a transformative journey.

As you continue to practice yoga, remember the power of breath. Embrace it as a guide, linking body, mind, and spirit. Cultivate your breath, and you will discover an incredible source of balance, vitality, and inner awareness on your path to overall well-being.

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Breath, or pranayama, plays a crucial role in yoga as it impacts the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of the practice. It enhances the body’s physiology, calms the mind, and supports yoga poses for better balance and stability.

Conscious, deep breathing triggers the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and countering the fight-or-flight response. This reduces stress and anxiety levels, creating a state of tranquility during yoga practice.

Synchronized breath with movement enhances balance and stability during asanas. It helps practitioners stay grounded and focused, preventing wobbling or overexertion and minimizing the risk of injuries.

Breath is closely connected to the concept of prana, the vital life force energy. Through breath-centered practices like pranayama, one can purify and balance the nadis (subtle energy channels) and deepen their meditation, leading to inner awareness and self-discovery.

Start with breath awareness, focusing on deep, controlled breaths like Belly Breath. Then, introduce pranayama techniques during specific segments of your practice, such as the beginning or end of a class. Incorporate breath into movement during asanas, and use pranayama to prepare the mind for meditation.