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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 reorientation of our breathing system can increase at least five-fold our ability to use oxygen and eliminate carbondioxide. However, we can train ourselves to breathe more slowly and more deeply. The rate can be easily reduced by 4 to 5 breaths a minute. Slower rate results in reduction of wear and tear in the entire body, less work for the heart, lower blood-pressure and quieter nerves.
Exhalation
Scientific breathing begins with a slow, calm and complete exhalation. Contraction of the abdominal muscles helps to reduce evacuate the lungs by raising the diaphragm. More complete the evacuation, greater the volume of fresh air to enter the lungs and purer the air in contact with alveolar surfaces. Unless we first breathe out fully, it is impossible to breathe in correctly.
Inhalation
Having emptied the lungs, the next step is to fill them upto the maximum extent The total volume of air which the lungs are able to contain is known as the vital capacity, which is about 6 litres. Before one can contemplate to increase this capacity, full use must be made of what is already available. Scientific breathing enables the practitioner to do this.
Adequate supply of oxygen is essential for the proper functioning and vitality of the cells. it is therefore vitally important to breathe correctly so that every cell can receive oxygen. The optimum interchange of gases in the lungs occurs when the breathing is deep, complete and slow.
"To breathe is to live" undoubtedly a good adage but to breathe correctly that is slowly, silently and deeply is to live long and keep healthy. Once the technique of complete breathing is learnt, it can be practised anywhere and at any time. In fact, it
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