Breath Question

Got the question by e-mail. Copy it here together with my answer – so it’s not lost and maybe useful to somebody else.

“im new to yoga.i wana know what is the right way to breath during yoga.Is it the normal way as we do.or it has some esp way like stomach in …etc.hope you get it.”

my answer:

”
first and most important: breath should flow as comfortably and continuously as possible: no retention and if you are out of breath – you are probably pushing yourself beyond limits – then slow down…

second: breath should be natural: if you fold or twist – you exhale, if you open – you inhale. Keeping proper breath phase with movements helps.

third: don’t contract your abdomen on purpose, don’t push your breath too slow or too deep on purpose. Contracted abdomen is not needed in most asanas and prevents from breathing properly. Deeper and longer breath develops with practice – no need to force yourself and jump over the head.

There is no competition in Yoga – nor with others and especially – not with yourself.
”

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