Rhythmic Breathing Prolongs Life

Rhythmic breathing

Why should we do rhythmic breathing? Breathing of most of people who are not doing yoga is irregular and shallow. Normally, breathing rate of a person is 15 breaths per minute. With rhythmic breathing, it can be brought down to 3 to 4 breaths a minute. This will reduce wear and tear of our internal organs.

With regular practice, your breathing rate will come down sub-consciously even when you are not conscious of your breath. You will get more oxygen, which means more energy for yoru body. Moreover, by practicing this exercise and making it part and parcel of your daily life, you will enjoy perfect rest which you have never known.

Preparation

Read general guidelines for pranayama before starting this pranayama.

Sit on your favourite Asana (Vajra asana, Padma asana, Sukh asana) in a well ventilated room free from any distractions.
Beginners can sit on a chair or sit cross legged on the yoga mat/ carpet keeping your back and neck in a straight line. For very weak persons, lie down in supine position similar to shava asana.

Steps

Inhale slowly and fill up your lungs to maximum capacity. For starters, take approximately 5 seconds for inhalation.
Do not hold breath. After inhaling, exhale slowly at same pace as you inhaled. Exhalation and inhalation time should be same.
We call this one set. Repeat for at least 10 to 20 sets and gradually increase. With practice, your inhaling and exhaling time will increase, breathing will become smooth and deeper.
Breathe in and out in a measured and harmonious manner. This kind of deep breathing will harmonise the whole system. Concentrate on your breath while you inhale and exhale, enjoy every breath you inhale and exhale. Free your mind from any tension or worries. Think about the wonderful gift of life God has given you. Pay good attention to the rhythm throughout your body.

Practice

This exercise can be done by a person of any age, even by very weak people. Even very weak people can do this for 20 to 30 minutes daily.
Practice daily for 15 to 20 minutes. You can also practice this deep breathing whenever you have any spare time in office, waiting for a bus, walking to office (Ensure stomach is not full, at least 3 hours should have elapsed after your last meal).
Practice deep breathing as much as possible (whenever you find free time) for 2 to 3 months. Then you will be surprised to find that your breath becomes deeper and rate of breathing will come down sub consciously without your realizing it.

Advanced Version

After 2-3 months of regular practice, you can practice retaining breath also.

You inhale through both the nostrils, retain the breath and exhale through both the nostrils.
Inhalation, retention of breath and exhalation should be in the ratio of (1:4:2).
Do this as many times as your strength and capacity would allow. Gradually increase the duration of inhalation, retention and exhalation.

Benefits

Breath is life, rhythmic breathing harmonises your breath and your life.
Provides ideal means of relaxation in busy life. You can make rhythmic breathing a part of your life.