The power of conscious breathing

The power of conscious breathing

Many people are looking for methods to achieve balance and calm in our hectic society. Yes, they don't manage to breathe consciously in hectic times and therefore get deeper and deeper into stress. Conscious breathing can be practised with breathing exercises, which are a helpful tool for reducing stress, sharpening focus and increasing general well-being. Over time, this makes it easier to continue breathing calmly during stressful times. At Vedaviva, we believe that body and mind can be transformed through conscious breathing. Here we introduce you to four different breathing methods and discuss their benefits.

Box breathing (Box breathing)

In yoga and mindfulness exercises, box breathing is a simple but effective breathing technique that is frequently used. It consists of four equal steps, each counting to five: inhale, hold, exhale and hold.

Advantages:

• Can reduce anxiety and tension
• it can promote concentration and mental clarity
• supports the regulation of the neurological system
• It can lead to a feeling of serenity and inner peace

Application: Sit comfortably and close your eyes. Breathe in deeply and count to five. Hold your breath for 5 seconds and exhale slowly and count to five.
Hold your breath for 5 seconds and then start breathing in again. Repeat the cycle five to ten times.

Alternate breathing (Nadi Shodhana)

A classic yogic breathing method, alternate breathing, is intended to cleanse and harmonise the body's energy pathways, the nadis.

Advantages:

• it can enable the maintenance of emotional stability by balancing the left and right hemispheres of the brain.
• It can promote the flow of energy and thereby clear the energy pathways.
• it can promote breathing ability and lung function 

Application: Close your eyes and sit comfortably. Close the right nostril with your thumb and breathe in deeply through the left nostril. Close the left nostril with your right ring finger and open the right one. Then breathe out completely. Breathe in through the right nostril, then close it with your thumb and let the air out through the left nostril. And now breathe out completely. Do this cycle five to ten times.

Breath of fire (Kapalabhati)

In Kundalini yoga practice, the powerful breathing technique known as "fire breathing" is often used. This involves rapid, powerful nasal exhalations followed by calm inhalations.

Advantages:

• it can increase your strength and energy
• it can strengthen the lungs and clear the airways
• It can promote metabolism and detoxification
• it can improve mental cognition and concentration

Application: Sit comfortably and close your eyes. After taking a deep breath, begin to exhale quickly and forcefully through the nostrils. Breathing is automatic and passive. Breathe in and out quickly one after the other for almost a minute. Then take a moment to relax and continue the cycle as required.

Diaphragmatic breathing or deep abdominal breathing

Deep diaphragmatic breathing is a basic method for promoting deep, calm breathing and activating the diaphragm. This is the easiest way to learn and feel the power of conscious breathing.

Advantages:

• Can relieve tension and promote calm
• can promote oxygen exchange and digestion
• increases lung function and breathing capacity
• Promotes inner peace and serenity

Application: Sit comfortably or lie on your back. Place one hand on your chest and the other on your stomach. Breathe in deeply through your nostrils until your chest remains motionless and your belly rises. Feel how your belly lowers as you gently exhale through your lips. Breathe in deeply for five to ten minutes and then repeat the exercise.

The power of conscious breathing can have a great effect on your body and mind.
Conscious breathing and breathing exercises are amazing tools that can increase our well-being, improve our ability to concentrate and reduce stress. We at Vedaviva invite you to try these methods and see how they can support your inner balance. Choose the breathing method that works best for you and integrate it into your daily routine, be it calming box breathing, balanced alternate breathing, energising fire breathing or relaxing abdominal breathing.
Breathe deeply, discover serenity and allow the power of your breath to enrich your life.

If you have any questions about conscious breathing, please do not hesitate to contact me. Contact us with me or visit me on Instagram.