The Vital Energy Centers: Learning to Breathe Primer

“For breath is life, and if you breathe well, you will live long on Earth.” - Sanskrit Proverb

For most of us, breathing has become an incomplete, superficial and sometimes hasty procedure.

The action of breathing is a powerful driving force in circulation. It moves oxygen deeply through the bloodstream. If you have a sedentary job or lifestyle, you’ve likely developed congestion in one organ or another. With complete breathing, the bloodstream in organs is prevented from slowing down to the point where it stagnates and degenerates from “stream” to “marsh”.

Here’s a description of how breathing can work to move blood:

When you breathe in, blood is moved through every tissue in the body. The optimum interchange of gases in the lungs, the absorption of oxygen and the giving off of carbon dioxide, is at its most efficient when breathing is deep, complete and slow.

The large vein continuously pouring blood from the liver into the heart is emptied regularly through suction developed by the lungs in breathing. When the venous blood from the liver can’t circulate freely, it becomes congested and causes repercussions throughout the body.

It’s best to practice breathing lying down.

• First remove any article of clothing or jewelry that will constrict your neck, chest, lungs, belly, or diaphragm.
• Lie on your back on a firm surface (not your bed).
• Legs should be straight and arms comfortably down along your sides, palms up and elbows gently tucked near the waist.
• Tuck your shoulder blades under to lift your chest a bit and open up your rib cage.
• Do not arch the neck or tuck the head or chin. Your head should be in a natural position with chin pointed toward the opposite wall.
• If necessary, place a low soft pillow under your knees to diminish the lumbar arch.
• Closing your eyes will help you concentrate.
• Relax all the organs and muscles designed to hold things in or hold you up.

1. Exhale first through your nose.

Until a receptacle is empty, it cannot be filled, so in the act of respiration, a slow and complete exhalation is an absolute prerequisite of correct and complete inhalation.

Slowly and calmly exhale through your nose, forcing all air out of your lungs. The chest is depressed by its own weight, expelling air. This out-breath must be slow. At the end of the expiration, use your abdominal muscles to force remaining air out. To do this, pull your abdominal muscles inward, in a contraction toward your back to expel the last traces of tainted air. Because the spongy nature of the lungs does not allow them to fully empty, they will always retain some impure air. You’re attempting to minimize that residue.

2. Breathe in through your nose.

Fill your lungs with air. Fill the diaphragm first, then the chest. You’re not attempting to blow yourself up like a balloon. Breathe easily, slowly and silently. Think about the action of your lungs, rib cage, diaphragm, clavicle, and intestines as they rise and lower. You may need to yawn. This is a good sign, showing that your lungs are relaxed.

3. Hold inspiration (in-breath) for 5-20 seconds.

When you breathe deeply, the surface of the tiny air sacs (alveoli) in your lungs is increased. All the normally inactive alveoli, unused in everyday breathing, are brought into service. When air remains in contact with lung alveoli, you receive the maximum degree of aeration.

4. Putting it all together.

Lie on your back, exhale through your nose and inhale through your nose. Begin breathing slowly and deeply from your diaphragm.

• When you feel that it’s impossible to raise your diaphragm any more, expand your ribs and allow more air to enter your lungs.
• Once the ribs are fully extended, raise your collar bones so a little more air can enter. Remember, don’t try to blow yourself up like a balloon. The whole process should be easy and comfortable. Avoid tensing your hands, face and neck.
• For this practice, hold the in-breath for 5-20 seconds and then slowly release air through the nose for a slow count of 5. When you reach 5, force the air from your lungs using the abdomen to press out remaining air.
• Allow two short ordinary breaths before beginning again.
• Repeat 3 times.