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by the average person. Unconscious breathing is controlled by the medulla oblongata in the brain stem, a region known as the primitive brain, while conscious breathing comes from the more evolved areas of the brain in the cerebral cortex. In fact, conscious breathing engages the cerebral cortex and stimulates the more evolved areas of the brain.
The regular practice of pranayama over a period of time reinforces cortical control of the breath, a process called telencephalization, where one shifts from unconscious to conscious breathing with profound effects on one's wellbeing. During conscious control of the breath, the cerebral cortex bypasses the respiratory centre in the brain stem. Impulses from the cortex also affect adjoining areas of the brain concerned with emotions. The involvement of the cerebral cortex in conscious breathing causes the cortex to develop and allows the individual to enter higher stages of the evolutionary cycle.
Conscious breathing begins with the awareness: "I am breathing in; I am breathing out." The awareness is an aspect of consciousness and the breath is a vehicle of prana.
Thus, in this way, prana and consciousness move together. Awareness of the breath implies that one is simultaneously aware of the consciousness. By the practice of conscious breathing, the witness aspect develops and the expansion of consciousness begins.
Conscious breathing has a calming effect on the mind. Even simple breath awareness, without exerting any control over the natural pattern of the breath, will induce a regular and relaxing rhythm of breathing. This is an effective method of quietening a tense mind. The more complex breathing techniques of pranayama influence the brain even more deeply. There is no system like pranayama that has such an immediate influence on the nervous system, brain and mind.
The first step The first step in pranayama is to tune into the rhythm of the breath. A smooth, slow rhythm usually indicates a relaxed state of body and mind. Irregular respiration usually means
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