Bangalore: There is more to breathing exercises such as "pranayama", now advocated by schools of yoga and spiritual teachers, than feeling calmer.

"Correct ways of breathing help more oxygen enter the blood stream and increase stamina and reduce stress level. They may improve short-term memory,'' psychotherapist Sunanda Murthy says. Steady inhalation and exhalation are necessary.

When you breathe, air from the nose passes through the windpipe (trachea) to the lungs, and then through air sacs and capillaries into the blood stream. When enough air cannot be inhaled, as in the case of those with respiratory ailments, oxygen level in the blood drops, and there is wheezing. Feelings of anxiety and disorientation may follow. Exhalation is equally important because it helps the body rid itself of carbon dioxide and other toxins.

Doctors have found persons with bronchitis beginning to feel disoriented after fits of involuntary coughing and breathlessness. It becomes difficult for them to concentrate on work.

Build-up of toxins

"All these are because of inadequate oxygen in the body and a slow build-up of toxins, which normal exhalation removes fast enough. Lack of oxygen may affect the central nervous system and the brain, and respiratory disorders such as asthma may be accompanied by depression,'' Dr. Murthy says.

Breathing with the full use of the diaphragm — the part between the rib cage and the stomach— is what is taught in many schools of yoga. This exercise is simple and involves pressing down on the lower part of the ribcage and consciously drawing in and letting out breath in regular, measured intervals. It stretches the lower lobes of the lungs, which don't always get air, and corrects shallow breathing habits.

"This can also be a great stress reliever in addition to boosting your energy level," Dr. Murthy says. "After about five minutes of this exercise, you usually feel more relaxed and energetic,'' she adds.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail