The Power and Peace Found in the Breath
Are you breathing deeply or mainly shallow?
Shallow (chest-) breathing limits oxygen intake and keeps the body in a somewhat stress mode. This is the reason why it is important to know the anatomy behind the breath.
Your breath directly affects your nervous system and thereby energy levels and bodily sensations.
Breathing shallow can over time lead to:
Fatigue and brain fog
Increased anxiety and muscle tension
Tight neck and shoulders
Poor circulation
A weak, underused diaphragm
Healthy breathing is slow, quiet, and expands the lower ribs and belly.
The lunges are placed under your rib cage. The breath muscle is called the Diaphragm and it looks almost like a parachute - at least when it is pushing the air out of the lungs. When you inhale deeply the diaphragm “flattens” to some degree, pulling on the lungs drawing air in. When the diaphragm moves back to the parachute shape, it pushes air out of the lungs.
Calm, deep breathing is not forced, but it might require a conscious focus on breathing slower.
Just as we do starting every CrossYoga class. The deep breath will calm your nervous-system and tell your body to relax. That is why deep breaths are your super power in panic attacks or if you feel stressed/anxious.
Getting to know the body is immensely helpful in yoga and exercise. You simply get more out of your practice when you know a bit about what muscles you are strengthening or stretching.
I want to share with you a mini-training where I have carefully chosen the most important anatomy take-aways for yoga enthusiasts/instructors.
I have added the easiest and most fun way to remember the content:
You'll see muscles and joints on the screen in connection to bones and joints
Palpate and feel the joints and muscles in your own body
Paint muscles on paper
(if you want to remember the learning better)
Move the muscle (together with me) so you get an understanding of their function and
Connect the information about muscles and joints with common yoga postures
It’s not magic. It’s pure anatomy. And it’s a gift.
What a brilliant design we have!! Always available to us. To me it speaks about the author and creator of my body.
As you sit here and read this, notice: Are you really breathing… or just moving air?
After your read this blog, allow yourself to take five deep breaths and say a prayer of gratitude to God.