Unveiling the Mystics: The sacred breath of life part 4

Movement is life. Today, everyone understands this. However, if we breathe, forgetting about the strength that we get in the process of breathing, we cannot avoid trouble. It will be difficult to cope with diseases of the lungs and heart, and problems with the immune system.

There is no need to explain that without breath there is no life. Therefore, it is very important to monitor how we breathe. It is known that diseases of the lungs and bronchi are a very common phenomenon that directly affects the reduction of a person’s life expectancy and well-being. Of course, we breathe in and out reflexively, and if we think about how this happens, we immediately go astray from the rhythm. However, reflexively does not mean correctly. The human body has a stock of possibilities that we, as a rule, do not use.

What is proper breathing? The ability to breathe in such a way that the energy we possess helps us cope with physical ailments and opens up new perspectives of intelligent perception and good disposition. Breathing is not only a physiological process but also truly creative. Correct breathing helps to achieve a more harmonious work of all organs and not just the pulmonary system alone.

Breathing techniques are the key ones in many traditions around the world. However, perhaps the most authoritative were the practices prevailing in the East. More precisely, the practices in the framework of Yoga and Chinese gymnastics. There is a common thing between them - the idea of ​​the energy that fills a person with health - kundalini, or qi. The difference is in the preferred type of breathing, due to the vision of the advancement and concentration of life-giving forces in the human body.

So, one of the most essential components of Yoga is the training of breathing or pranayama. According to Yoga, there is an inseparable link between breathing and consciousness. Rhythmic breathing allows you to concentrate, focus attention and consciousness, which, as a result, is purified. Breathing exercises are considered to be secret, mystical aspects of Yoga.

 The prana in question is the essence of all movement, its focus, the essence of energy. It is everywhere and, from the point of view of Yoga followers, does not depend on a pure physiological component, although we get it from the air we breathe. And the deeper our breathing will be, the more prana - the life-giving force - will accumulate in the body. With shallow breathing, we receive it in small doses, which are barely enough to maintain our existence. Yogis consciously strive to master the technique, which allows you to receive power from outside and transform it into internal resources.

In China, this energy is called Qi, the Greeks called it Pneuma, Northern Germans - Meigin. The aborigines of West Australia used one word - “wang”, for breath, spirit, and soul together. This concept of vital energy exists in many world cultures. According to them- such energy is the source of life in all its glory. This is the original power of the Universe. According to Hindu tradition, prana is the infinite, omnipresent energy manifested by the universe, which is the main component and source of all life. This energy supports life and health in the body. It is also known as “ki” in Japan and “mana” among the Kahuna healers. The main sources of prana are air, sunlight, and earth.

Pranayama
Pranayama is the control of prana. It is this skill that gives a chance to start changes for the better, which is the secret of yoga. Not just to gain, to receive something, but to expand opportunities and to convert comprehended kindness to other people.

Control over the prana energy is achieved by the correct position of the body, breathing, and special gestures. They arrange the energy of a man, opening him to the possibility of unity with the cosmos. In our individual lives, we are easily losing sources of vital energy. Returning to harmony allows us to gain self-confidence, look at the world around from a different angle and of course, gain health.

First of all, when yoga breathing exercises are performed, one should feel the rhythmic vibrations. Concentrate the prana in the centers of power, sending it to the right organs. Here the important role is assigned to the solar plexus. The energy rises and expands, and its rays gradually cover the whole body.

Taichi
Focusing on breathing and vitality will not only allow you to get the greatest effect from your exercises that will lead to recovery but also help you think better. Our mind, in a state of serenity and peace, affects the passage of Qi. The life force begins to move in different directions, activating the work of the body and filling our spirit with new energy.

 The main point from which the carrying out of life force begins is precisely in the area of ​​the navel. Breathing is also concentrated in this area so that your upper body remains free. It is necessary to feel some deficiency of chi in the above body part, which allows you to activate thought processes, make hearing and sight more acute. Some redundancy of chi at the bottom helps to feel the full energy of life. You feel a surge of strength that helps you to be stable in life.

Tantra
The practice of performing breathing exercises in Tibet is close to yoga, although it is associated with Tantrism. The word “tantra” in Sanskrit means "foundation", "essence". In the narrower sense of the word, tantra is understood as a practice aimed at mastering energy. Proponents of Tantrism believe that the human body is a microcosm. By acting on it in a certain way, it is possible to master space and cosmic energy.

In Tibet, external and internal types of breathing are distinguished. The first is usual when breathing through the nose with varying degrees of intensity, depth, and duration. The second is the breath of peace. It is a quiet deep breath and a free, natural exhalation. As a result of the use of such breathing, it is possible not to disturb the concentration of consciousness and meditative inclination. Thanks to the latter, Qi (prana) enters the body.

Inner breathing is a way of transforming external energy into higher energy. It helps to eliminate physical fatigue, to distract from the present, but to learn how to breathe, you must not only do breathing exercises, but also perform the exercises of Tibetan monks, and master them perfectly.

Huna
In Huna, breathing exercises are practiced to gain control of the body, enabling us to send mana to every part of the body, providing energy and thereby strengthening ourselves. With this technique it is possible not only to cure ilnesses, but deal with anxiety, fears and other negative emotions

Modern medicine also understands the importance of correct breathing and enriching the human body with oxygen. However, it offers its own methods: oxygen therapy during hypoxia, oxygen cocktails, the use of active oxygen forms in the treatment of certain types of cancer, etc. Also, oxygen pressure chambers are used for the treatment of vascular diseases and to reduce the recovery period in athletes.

Yoga, Qigong, Tai Chi, have a thousand-year history. They became known to Europeans not so long ago, but now it is impossible to imagine a single breathing technique that would not be based on Eastern traditions. This is the best proof of their validity and beneficence. Thanks to them, people have the possibility to resist processes that reduce the reserves of their forces and destroy the body ahead of time.

To sum up, we have to mention that our ancestors clearly realized that a person receives energy not only from food but also absorbs it through breathing. The human body is experiencing the effects of air and wind throughout life continuously. When we breathe in the air energy, it accumulates in us. As a result, our physical body and our inner psychic strength are consolidated. Therefore, our ancestors always attached great importance to the cultivation of proper breathing. Of course, this process is inseparable from the process of unity with nature. Air baths are still considered the best health and preventive means, especially when they are taken at dawn when the sun penetrates all the air with ultraviolet light and nourishes the body with vital energy.

Proper breathing can improve the functioning of internal organs and systems. First of all, it has a beneficial effect on the activity of the lungs, heart, brain. Energy flows to each cell, giving it a pulse of existence, which boosts immunity as a whole.

Familiarity with the origins of treatments based on the management of vital energy, voluntarily or unwittingly helps build a strong bridge between our eternal desire to get rid of the disease and the mystical worldview. However, it should be remembered that any attempt to diagnose and treat an illness should come under the direction of your health care practitioner.

Along with the ancients, there are modern methods of proper breathing. For example, in his book How Breathing Can Relax and Energize You by Dan Brulé, a modern-day healer explains how using “breathwork” can regulate and change your psychological or emotional state, improve your well-being and make you feel united with nature.

For more information, check the link: https://www.phoenixvoyage.org/breathmastery.html
Useful videos:
Pranayama: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=395ZloN4Rr8
Taichi: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j2DkWJDRZG4
Tantra: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKcUiHXOlpY
Breathing exercises: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-1kuahbLl4
Pay attention to your breath: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCq8-XvqU1Q

“Pranayama is the practice of breath control. The word prana refers not only to breath but also to air and life itself.” Christy Turlington