2025.7.25 Total Concentration Breathing?

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2025.7.25
・Janu Sirsasana [Head-to-Knee Pose] (Back)
・Side Stretch
・Backbend
・Basic Hand Exercises ③ (Shoulder Rotations)
・Prasarita Padottanasana [Wide-Legged Forward Bend] (Joints)
・Jathara Parivartanasana [Reclining Twist] (Twisting)
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In "Introduction to Yoga," the basic hand exercise ③ (rotating the elbows) is described as performing three rotations in one breath, but since this is quite difficult, it is usually done while breathing normally.

In yoga, four types of breathing are introduced: inhaling, exhaling, holding, and natural suspension.

The state where the breath stops naturally is called "Kevala Kumbhaka," and the scriptures state that this is "true breath control."

For example, when you are watching a movie and holding your breath, your consciousness is deeply focused and your breathing has stopped.

There is a concept in Hatha Yoga that stopping the breath leads to stopping the workings of the mind.

Although Kevala Kumbhaka occurs naturally, I believe there are exercise movements that make it easier to sense that state.

When you do a big stretch or take a deep breath, your chest naturally stays full of air for a moment, doesn't it?

Basic hand exercise ③ involves movements that open the chest wide in the same way, so it is easy to achieve natural breath retention, and because the arms and shoulders move rhythmically, I think it is also easy to regulate the rhythm of your breathing.

⚠ Breathing techniques that are rushed or forced carry risks ⚠

Why is that?

Yoga's breathing technique, Pranayama, aims for deep, infrequent, and steady-paced breathing.

Does the oxygen concentration in the blood increase or decrease with this kind of breathing?

In Dr. H.R. Nagendra's "The Secret of Pranayama," it is stated that oxygen concentration decreases.

The author compares this to a car's fuel efficiency. Training the body to become "fuel-efficient"—where cells function effectively with less oxygen—is one of the goals of Pranayama.

This is called increasing cellular efficiency, and it awakens the dormant capabilities of the cells.

The logic is that if you can maintain basic bodily functions with less energy in this way, your caloric intake will naturally decrease, and you will be able to remain active for longer in a more energized state.

Nagendra also states, "If you gradually condition the tissues, there is no danger."

It is important never to rush, not to overdo it, and to train little by little.

In Yoga Zen, breathing techniques are incorporated into the exercises. Please prioritize your own pace over my verbal cues ^^

By the way, speaking of movies, "Demon Slayer" is currently in theaters.
In this manga, there are scenes where characters concentrate so intensely that they stop breathing, and breathing is a key point.
...It was so interesting that I ended up buying the entire series...

It's way too hot every day, isn't it?
In times like this, cooling breathing techniques🍧
I'd like to try that soon.

See you again on Friday♪