Book Report #42 – Science of Breath
Begin: 9/2/2024
Finish: 10/7/2024
Title: Science of Breath
Author: Yogi Ramacharaka
Why I choose to read this book:
To understand the science of breathing. use the technique to improve my breathing and overall health.
What I learned form this book:
Breath is Life:
Life is absolutely dependent upon the act of breathing. Breath is life. From the first faint breath of the infant to the last grasp of the dying man, it is one long story of continued breathing. Life is but a series of breaths.
The air passages consist of the interior on the nose, pharynx, larynx, windpipe and the bronchial tubes. When we breathe, we draw in the air through the nose, in which it is warmed by contact with the mucous membrane, which is richly supplied with blood, and after it passes through the pharynx and larynx, it passes into the windpipe and terminate in the minute small air spaces in the lungs. The vital importance of correct breathing. If the blood is not fully purified by the regenerative process of the lungs, it returns to the arteries in an abnormal state, insufficiently purified and imperfectly cleansed of the impurities. These impurities if returned to the system will certainly manifest in some form of disease.
Nostril-breathing versus Mouth breathing:
The breathing mechanism of man is so constructed that he may breathe either through the mouth or nasal tubes, it is of vital importance to him which method he follows, as one brings health and strength an the other disease and weakness. Many contagious disease are contracted by the habit of mouth breathing, and many cases of cold and catarrhal infection are attributable to mouth breathing. The organs of respiration have their only protective apparatus, filter, or dust catcher, in the nostrils. The nostrils are two narrow, tortuous channels, containing numerous bristly hairs which filter, sieve and strain the air of impurities, etc. which are expelled when the breath is expelled. It also perform and important function in warming the air inhaled. Th long narrow winding nostrils are filled with warm mucous membranes which warms the inhaled air so it cannot damage the throat, or to the lungs. Nature protect us by producing a sneeze which violently eject the intruder. Mouth breathing does not filter sieve, strain or warm the air. This breathing of cold air could cause inflammation of the respiratory system. Another feature of mouth breathing is that the nasal passage if left unused fail to keep themselves clean and clear, and become clogged up and unclean and prone to contact local diseases.
Several ways to clean the nostrils and respiratory system:
1) Snuff water up the nostrils allowing it to run down the passage into the throat and ejected through the mouth.
2) Immerse the face in a bowl of water and by a sort of suction draw in the water through the nostrils.
3) Breathing freely , closing one nostril with the finger or thumb, sniffing up the air through the open nostrils, then repeat the process with the other nostrils. Repeat several times, change nostril. This will usually clear the nostrils of obstructions.
Four Methods of Breathing:
1) High Breathing – Standing erect, with hands at the sides, raised the shoulders and collar -bone and inhale. The amount of air inhaled is far below normal.
2) Mid Breathing – The diaphragm is pushed upwards, and the abdomen is drawn it – rib breathing. not much air is inhaled.
3) Low Breathing – Abdominal breathing, deep breathing. diaphragm breathing. This is the best breathing method of the three methods but it is not a complete breath.
4) The Yogi Complete Breath – best breathing method.
a) Stand or sit erect. Breathing through the nostrils, inhale steadily, drawing in the diaphragm, pushing out the lower ribs, breast bone and chest. Then fill the upper lungs by lifting the chest. The inhalation is continuous, the entire chest cavity from the lowered diaphragm to the higher point o the chest.
b) Retain the breath for a few seconds.
c)Exhale quite slowly, when the air is entirely exhaled, relax the chest and abdomen. It take practice to master the complete breaths. You should inhale a series of complete breaths several times a day. It keeps the system in good order and condition.
The diaphragm is nature’s principal instrument for this internal exercise. Through breathing movement of the Diaphragm, the motion vibrates the important organs of nutrition and elimination, and massage and kneads them at each inhalation and exhalation, forcing blood into them and then squeezing it out, and imparting a general tone to the organs.
Three Breathing Exercises:
1) The Yogi Cleansing Breath – Good for ventilating and cleansing the lungs.
a) Inhale a complete breath.
b) Retain the air for a few seconds.
c) Pucker up as if for a whistle, then exhale a little air through the opening with vigor. Then stop a moment, retaining the air, then exhale a little more until the air is completely exhaled.
This breath is quite refreshing when on is tired and used up. This exercise can be practiced several times a day to revitalize yourself.
2)The Yogi Nerve Vitalizing Breath – Its purpose is to stimulate the nervous system, develop nerve force, energy and vitality.
a) Stand erect. Inhale a complete breath and retain.
b) Extend the arms straight in front of you.
c) Slowly draw hands back towards the shoulders. Fist should be clenched when you reach the shoulders.
d) Keep the muscle tense, push the fist out slowly and bring them back rapidly several times.
e) Exhale vigorously through the mouth.
f) Practice the cleansing breath.
3) The Yogi Vocal Breath – Breathing to develop the voice.
a) Inhale the complete breath slowly, through the nostrils taking as much time as possible.
b) Retain for a few seconds.
c) Expel the air vigorously in one breath through the mouth.
d) Rest the lungs with the cleansing breath.
The complete breath is the most important breathing technique and together with the three breathing exercises it should help keep your breathing system functioning well. There are also many breathing exercise but the four listed exercise should suffice.
What I learned from this book:
Proper breathing is important to stay healthy and avoid contracting respiratory diseases. Th proper breathing will be shared with my family and the communities which I hope to volunteer my teaching, tutoring and mentoring services.
