Yoga Benefits - Better Breathing

Breathing at the Beach!

Yoga includes breathing practices known as pranayama, which can be effective for reducing our stress response, improving lung function and encouraging relaxation.  Many pranayamas emphasize slowing down and deepening the breath, which activates the body's parasympathetic system, or relaxation response.  By changing our pattern of breathing, we can significantly affect our body's experience of and response to stress.  This may be one of the most profound lessons we can learn from our yoga practice......Yoga Alliance.  A testimonial from a former student about her improved breathing:  "The morning following my surgery when 8 inches of my intestinal tract was removed, the doctor watched me breathing into the little contraption where the breath is tested by how far the little ball floats up.  He was astounded at the power of my breath and asked me how I was able to do so much.  I replied, I've been doing yoga."  You, too, can increase the power of your breath and enjoy the resulting benefits!  And, you can do it while simply sitting in a chair or standing or lying in bed!