THE IMPORTANCE OF BREATHING IN YOGA

The word ‘yoga’ literally translates to mean ‘to unite or to combine’. Yoga ‘unites’ the body and the mind by ‘combining’ movement with the breath. Without the breath, yoga would not be yoga and would just be like any other form of exercise.

​

Before we can combine our breath with our physical postures it is first important that we know how to breathe properly – in a way that helps our body to function optimally – the way our bodies are designed to breathe, but we’re never formally taught how.

If you’ve not previously been aware of your breath, it is likely your breathing pattern has some issues e.g. over breathing, chest breathing or holding your breath - all of which can lead to a shortage of oxygen and energy, and prevent our organs and muscles from functioning at their best.

Once we have trained ourselves to breathe optimally and can effectively control our breath and combine it with our movement – the magic happens – due to a shift in control within the brain - the mind becomes quiet and calm.