If you’ve ever found yourself scratching your head over why breath work is such a big deal in yoga, I’d bet you’re not alone. Maybe you’ve been thinking: “I hear about all these different breathing techniques in yoga, but I’m not sure what they actually do. Why are there so many methods?”
Or maybe you’re asking yourself, “Does breathing really make a difference in my practice, or is it just another thing to keep track of?
Really, why does everyone keep harping on about breath work?
Let’s demystify it and get into why breath work is not a fad, but a vital part of yoga practice, particularly when it comes to aligning our bigger reason for being here – our purpose or Dharma.
Why Breath Work Matters
First things first: lets address what all the fuss is about.
In the traditional sense, this work is not just about taking a few deep breaths to calm down before you dive into your physical asana practice. Breath work, or Pranayama as it’s called, is a way to manage and direct your vital life force (prana) and ultimately use it to change your state.
Prana is often loosely translated as energy – but it’s more than that – this is the stuff that animates every cell in your body, every thought and every action. It’s intelligence itself.
Still wondering why you’d want to manage that?
Imagine being able to influence the very force that allows you to heal, grow, evolve, act, think.
Ok, I know that sounds far out. But yoga is. The ancient sages gave us these teachings as a way to end human suffering so stay with this.
We are taking about ending the inner chaos and turmoil that manifests within us as stress, inflammation and disease in the mind and body.
It’s probably hard to imagine, but our actual nature (our birthright) is to be in a state of calm, easeful stability. Health, we are informed by the tradition and its sister science, Ayurveda, is not simply the absence of disease. We were, infact, made and built to thrive.
The work of a Yoga practice is to help us move closer to this state of health and eventually transcend from simply material worldly experiences to nondual awareness (completeness). This is state where we experience everything, including ourselves, as whole and connected to a bigger why/purpose (Dharma).
Breath is the vehicle that will get us there. If you’re not being taught how to use it effectively you’ll never reach the destination. You won’t achieve Yoga.
What Breath Work Actually Does:
There are many different techniques, ratios and patterns of breathing. And this is not so if we get bored of using one, there’s another to entertain us for a while.
Each one has a purpose.
But here’s a few you may be familiar with and what they do.
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Ujjayi Breath (Victorious Breath): Imagine breathing in with your mouth closed and restricting the back of your throat. That’s Ujjayi breath. It’s slow, steady, and creates a gentle oceanic sound. It helps keep your mind sharp and your practice steady. Breath is a mirror to your mind. And this helps dial up the volume to how your mind is doing.
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Nadi Shodhana (Alternate Nostril Breathing): Ever wish you could balance your mind like a tightrope walker? This technique helps you achive that. It helps you bring balance to the left and right hemispheres of your brain and observe any tricky thoughts and emotions coming up without being triggered and taken down by them.
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Kapalabhati (Skull Shining Breath): Think of this as the espresso shot of breath work. It’s energising and invigorating. It helps clear out mental fog, negativity and any obstacles that obstruct your path to growth.
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Bhramari (Bee Breath): If you’ve ever hummed along to a tune and felt instantly more relaxed, you’re on the right track. This technique uses a humming sound to soothe your nerves and focus your mind, kind of like giving yourself a calming hug from the inside.
Breath Work and Dharma: What’s the Connection?
Alright, you might be asking, “What on earth does breath work have to do with my Dharma?” Great question! Dharma is all about finding and living your true purpose. When you’re aligned with your Dharma, everything seems to fall into place more effortlessly.
Here’s how breath work ties into living your Dharma:
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Boosts Self-Awareness: Breath work helps you tune into your inner self. It’s like having that heart-to-heart chat with yourself, helping you understand what truly matters and what might be a distraction.
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Balances Your Energy: Just as you wouldn’t drive a car without checking the fuel gauge, you wouldn’t want to go through life without managing your prana. Breath techniques help you maintain a steady flow of energy, making sure you’re always in top form.
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Sharpen Your Focus: Breath work hones your concentration. It’s like having a magnifying glass for your mind, helping you stay focused on what really counts, rather than getting sidetracked by every little distraction.
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Facilitates Personal Growth: Think of breath work as a tool for clearing out the mental cobwebs. It helps you move past old habits and limitations, allowing you to grow in alignment with your true self.
Overcoming Confusion and Frustration
So, you’re still feeling a bit lost in the maze of breath techniques. It’s perfectly normal. Here’s how to get your bearings and make breath work a meaningful part of your practice:
1. Get to Know the “Why” Behind It
Sometimes confusion comes from not knowing why something is important. To clear this up:
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Do Your Homework: Dive into some good reads or watch tutorials from reputable teachers that explain the benefits of each breath technique. The more you know, the easier it’ll be to see how breath work fits into your practice.
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Chat with Experienced Practitioners: Find a mentor or join a class where you can ask questions and get personalised tips. They can help unravel the mystery and show you how to use breath work effectively.
2. Practice with Purpose
If you’re struggling to see the benefits, it might be because you’re not practising with intention:
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Set Some Goals: Decide what you want to achieve with breath work—be it better focus, stress relief, or something else. Having clear goals will keep you motivated and help you track your progress.
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Stick with It: Consistency is key. Even if it’s just a few minutes a day, regular practice will make a big difference over time.
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3. Integrate Breath Work with Your Poses
Merging breath work with your asanas can seem tricky, but here’s how to make it seamless:
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Match Breath to Movement: Try coordinating your breath with your poses. For instance, inhale as you stretch into a pose and exhale as you release. This alignment enhances your practice and makes it feel more fluid.
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Use Breath for Focus: When a pose feels challenging, use your breath to stay centred and calm. It’s like having an internal anchor that keeps you steady.
4. Embrace the Journey
Remember, exploring breath work is a bit like embarking on a new adventure:
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Be Patient: Learning new techniques takes time. Don’t get discouraged if it doesn’t all make sense immediately. Keep at it, and you’ll find your rhythm.
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Celebrate Small Wins: Notice and appreciate the small improvements you make. Each little breakthrough is a step towards mastering breath work and aligning with your Dharma.
Wrap-Up
Getting your head around breath work and its connection to Dharma might take a bit of effort, but the rewards are well worth it. By understanding how breath work fuels your practice and aligns with your true purpose, you can transform your yoga journey and life.
If you’re ready to dive deeper into the world of breath work, why not check out our Yoga Local App? It’s packed with resources, expert guidance, and a supportive community to help you explore and master the art of breath work. So, take a deep breath, embrace the journey, and discover how breath work can elevate your practice and align you with your Dharma.
