Preksha Dhyana Human Body Part 2

Author(s): Jethalal S Zaveri
Publisher: Jain Vishva Bharati

Page 15

Art of Breathing : Importance of Proper Breathing
In proper breathing, firstly air is inhaled through the nose, with mouth closed. In this way most of the bacteria, dust and other impurities are filtered out by the moist lining of the nose and the mucous membranes. Mucus, in addition to acting as a filter, also has germicidal properties. While travelling this somewhat longer road, the air is also humidified and warmed to proper body-temperature. That is why it is so important to cultivate the habit of breathing through the nose, and never through the mouth.
Secondly, in proper breathing, we have to reverse the familiar procedure of pulling in our abdomen while inhaling. A pulled-in stomach may give us a smart appearance (as in a parade) but it effectively compresses the diaphragm and prevents air reaching the base of the lungs. We must learn to allow the abdomen to expand on inhaling and to pull it in while exhaling. It is easier to practise this lying down, until the new habit is firmly established.
In a single day we breathe about 23000 times. Dependeing upon one's posture as well as physical and emotional state, the average volume of air taken in a single breath is 1/2 to 1 litre. With proper attention, this volume may be increased upto 4 to 5 litres. In other words careful re-orientation of our breathing system can increase at least five-fold our ability to use oxygen and eliminate carbon dioxide. Most of us breathe shallowly in short staccato jerks, at the rate of 15 to 18 breaths a minute. Because we feel no breathless discomfort form our shallow breathing, we are not even aware of its shallowness. However, we can train ourselves to breathe more slowly and more deeply, though without pause between inspiration and expiration. The rate can be easily reduced by 4 to 5 breaths a minute, i.e. 25 to 33 percent. Slower rate results in reduction of wear and tear in the entire body, less work for the heart, lower blood pressure and quieter nerves.
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