Breathing Exercise

Three Breathing Techniques

Be sensible, do the exercises gently and stop if they become uncomfortable in any way. The purpose is to use every part of the lungs so that upper, middle and lower lungs are being used. However, do not over fill the lungs with air so that they are stretched and forced.

The breathing techniques will absorb more oxygen but their main purpose is to absorb more life force energy. Practice them and soon your natural breathing will be stimulated :-

1. Complete breathing method; all parts of the lungs are used and the timing of in and out breathing is similar.
   
   
2. Fixed rhythm method; same time for in and out breathing.
   
   
3. Revitalising rhythm method; discover how you breathe after doing some strenuous activity and then copy this.

After you have practiced complete and rhythmic breathing for a few times your brain will soon take over and continue your improved method of breathing. Hopefully, proper breathing technique will become a habit, done automatically throughout the day and whilst you sleep.

Three Bad Breathing Techniques

These following are bad breathing techniques that use only a portion of the lungs, read and try them so you know what to avoid.

High Breathing: Fills only the upper part of the lungs, which are the smallest. It requires the greatest amount of energy with the smallest amount of benefit. Inhaling in this way raises the collar bone and shoulders, brings in the abdomen and pushed it up against the diaphragm, which in turn raises. Because the diaphragm is raised there can be no expansion of the lower parts of the lungs.

Mid Breathing: Fills only the middle and a portion of the upper parts of the lungs. Inhaling this way pushes in the abdomen and raises the diaphragm. The ribs are raised some and chest partly expanded. Because the diaphragm is raised the lower lungs cannot expand so only a portion of the possible lung capacity is used.

Low Breathing: Fills only the lower and a portion of the middle parts of the lungs. It is far better than the above two methods but still does not use all areas of the lungs to their full potential. Inhaling is achieved by expanding the abdomen region, the diaphragm falls and the lower portions of the lungs draw in air.

Complete Breathing Technique

Stand or sit with you back straight. Breath steadily, through the nose, taking the same time to breathe in as you do to breath out.

At first, do the following three stages separately. When you understand the muscle movements do them simultaneously.

• First fill the lower part of the lungs; the diaphragm pushes down, with gentle pressure on the abdominal organs, pushing forward the front walls of the abdomen.
  
  
• Then fill the middle part of the lungs; push out the lower ribs, breast bone and chest.
  
  
• Then fill the upper part of the lungs: push out the upper chest lifting it and the upper ribs, this last lifting has the effect of drawing in the abdomen a little which gives the lungs support and helps to fill the highest parts of the lungs.

Rhythm of Breathing Technique - One

The time you take breathing out should be the same time as breathing in. After breathing in and after breathing out hold the lungs still for half the time it takes to breathe in.

Count approximately at the speed of your heart beat. Here is an example speed, but do what is comfortable for you.

• Breath out and take the time it takes for 6 heart beats.
• Wait with empty lungs for the time it takes for 3 heart beats.
• Breath in and take the time it takes for 6 heart beats.
• Wait with full lungs for the time it takes for 3 heart beats.

Be Flexible with this Breathing Technique

We have suggested a time of six heart beats but be flexible depending on how you feel. As your body learns, and if it feels comfortable, extend the time a little.

Try this breathing technique at times during the day. Don't worry about counting or precise timing, keep the time of in and out breathing roughly similar and you will be doing well.

Question: How do YOU Breathe to Recover?

When the body or mind is in need of energy you naturally breathe in a different way; just a short period of this special breathing revitalises the body.

How do you breathe to recover from a period of intense physical activity or intense mental activity? How do you breathe after waking from sleep to revitalise the body?
Baby yawning photo by Daniel James

Second Rhythm of Breathing Technique

• Identify the special revitalising type of breathing rhythm that you have. It may be similar to yawning; a fairly deep in breathing and a deep out breathing similar to a sighing.
  
  
• Copy this breath rhythm whenever you need more energy and when you are preparing for spiritual development exercises.
  
  
• To start with, take only two or three of these special breaths each time and only few times per day.