A Breath of Fresh Air

Have you been breathing fire, wasting your breath, out of breath, holding your breath…? Do you ever pause to realize how intimately the speed and quality of your breathing is connected with the way you feel? Happiness and sorrow can send your breath-count to more than 25 times a minute compared to the usual 16 to 17 times.

But did you know, the ideal number of breaths per minute is 10. And yogis breathe only two to three times a minute.

So, first things first, relax. Take a full, deep breath. And now, exhale.

Phhhh…there! How does it feel to expel a lungful of carbon dioxide?

Now, take a pause from reading this article and feel the passage of your breath through yourself for the next one minute. Really breathe. Not simply inhale and exhale through your nostrils, but breathe in and out with your lungs, your belly and your whole being.

How does this help?

Well, if you observe a yogi, a Zen master, or a martial art trainer practice their meditation or exercises, you’ll notice that they always begin by drawing in a deep, deep breath. That’s because they know and remember that breath is prana, and prana is life. Every breath you take has an impact on your three doshas, Vata, Pitta and Kapha. If you train yourself to breathe right, you will soon feel an incredible sense of well-being, which comes from improved flow of prana or vital energy throughout your being, and a resulting harmony among the doshas.

The way to breathe deep is quite simple:

1. Gently press two fingers of your right hand against your left nostril to close it. Inhale slowly, deeply and fully through your right nostril.

2. Now, press your right thumb against the right nostril, and exhale through your left nostril. Again, slowly, deeply and fully.

3. Repeat the process, beginning with the left nostril this time.

There! You’ve just completed one full circuit of nadi shodhana (channel cleansing), which is flow-restoring yogic breathing. Do it five to 10 times, and observe how good you feel.

If you’re angry, anxious or stressed out, it’s a priceless way to calm down! I do a lot of my deep breathing in airport lounges, because it helps me have a fear-free flight.

Take It Even Deeper

Use your moments of deep breathing to make some simple, blissful affirmations. With every breath, say to yourself:

I’m inhaling vitality and exhaling fatigue.
I’m inhaling serenity and exhaling stress.
I’m inhaling love and exhaling anger.

Wish you bliss!

Further reading:
Science of Breath Pranayama

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Danuta W.

2:29AM PDT on Sep 16, 2012

Very interesting,

September 16
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Chris R.

7:09AM PDT on Oct 9, 2011

Thanks!~

October 9
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Monika K.

1:04PM PDT on Sep 2, 2011

Not what I was expecting to find out.

September 2
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Loo S.

10:27PM PDT on Aug 19, 2011

thanks for sharing.

August 19
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Bob P.

5:59AM PDT on Aug 18, 2011

intresting thanks

August 18
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Shalvah L.

5:52AM PDT on Aug 18, 2011

I appreciate being conscious of my breath, and I can do the exercise you wrote in the article. However when I went to yoga classes and was instructed to close a nostril breath 5 quick breaths etc., I'm sad to say this cases me anxiety, so I don't do those exercises.

Kirsten B.

11:50PM PDT on Aug 17, 2011

Just curious to know - is it OK to only do it in the one direction? When I was attending a yoga class the teacher did 5 times in each direction with us. I'd find the one direction more relaxing though.
Thank you for sharing this!

August 17
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Marsha V.

3:02PM PDT on Aug 17, 2011

I know this article is more about technique, but I am conscious about how other people affect my breathing. If their energy is irritating or overbearing, I separate myself and my breathing returns to "normal."

Beverly G.

2:28PM PDT on Aug 17, 2011

very helpful and intresting, i need this will give it a go. thank you.

Kathy K.

2:06PM PDT on Aug 17, 2011

Thanks. It's been years since I've done the nadi shodhana.