Are you feeling stressed, fatigued or simply looking to improve your overall well-being? The answer may lie in yoga, an ancient practice that has been helping people unlock their breath and achieve optimal airflow for centuries. In this blog, we'll take you on a journey through the history of yoga, its profound connection to deep, even breathing, as well as how specific yoga poses can enhance your respiratory health. We'll also provide step-by-step instructions for 5 yoga poses that promote better airflow. Plus, discover how Oxygen Plus can be your ideal yoga buddy for breathing support alongside your yoga practice.

The Historical Roots of Yoga: A Breath of Fresh Air

Yoga, an ancient practice originating in India, is more than just a series of physical postures; it's a holistic approach to health and well-being. The word "yoga" itself is derived from the Sanskrit word "yuj," which means to unite or join. Yoga seeks to unite the mind, body, and spirit, with the breath serving as a bridge between these elements.

Yoga has been practiced for thousands of years, with its roots tracing back to the Indus Valley Civilization around 3000 BCE. Throughout its long history, yoga has evolved into various forms and styles, but one constant remains: the emphasis on breath. The connection between yoga and deep, rhythmic breathing is integral to yoga’s philosophy and benefits.

The Importance of Breath in Everyday Health

Before we dive into specific yoga poses, let’s first understand the significance of breathing in our daily lives. Breathing is an involuntary action that sustains life, but the quality of our breath can significantly impact our overall health and well-being.

Shallow, irregular breathing can lead to stress, anxiety, and decreased lung capacity. On the other hand, ample research on nose breathing, which is an integral part of yoga, has been proven to be more beneficial for overall health and well-being. Further, deep, diaphragmatic breathing, which is another fundamental aspect of yoga, can provide a myriad of benefits, including:

Stress Reduction

Deep breathing triggers the body's relaxation response, reducing stress hormones and promoting a sense of calm and well-being.

Improved Lung Function

Deep, controlled breaths increase lung capacity and oxygenate the body more efficiently, promoting better respiratory health.

Enhanced Focus and Concentration

Conscious breath control in yoga enhances mental clarity and concentration.

Enhanced Immune Function

Proper oxygenation of cells supports the immune system and overall vitality.

Emotional Regulation

Deep breathing can help manage emotions and reduce mood swings.

5 Essential Yoga Poses for Optimal Breath

Now that we understand the importance of breath in our everyday lives, let's learn a few yoga poses that can help unlock your breath and achieve optimal airflow.

1. Sukhasana (Easy Pose)

• Sit cross-legged on your mat with your back straight.
• Place your hands on your knees.
• Let your shoulders fall as you bring a gentle lift to your chest.
• Close your eyes and take slow, deep breaths.
• Inhale through your nose, expanding your abdomen.
• Exhale through your nose, gently contracting your abdomen.
• Hold for 5-10 minutes, focusing on your breath.

You can find a link to Sukhasana Instructions here.

2. Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose)

• Lie face-down on your mat with your hands under your shoulders.
• Inhale as you lift your chest off the ground, keeping your pelvis on the mat.
• Exhale as you lower yourself back down.
• Repeat 5-10 times, focusing on the breath and elongating your spine.

You can find a link to Bhujangasana Instructions here.

3. Ujjayi Pranayama (Victorious Breath)

• Sit in a comfortable position with your back straight.
• Close your eyes and take a deep inhale through your nose, all the way to your abdomen.
• Exhale through your nose. 
• Make sure you are constricting the back of your throat during this practice, to create an ocean-like sound.
• Continue for 5-10 minutes, focusing on the soothing sound of your breath.

You can find a link to Ujjayi Pranayama Instructions here.

4. Trikonasana (Triangle Pose)

• Stand with your feet about 3-4 feet apart. 
• Your left foot is pointing forward and the right foot sideways. If you are standing on a mat your left foot would be pointing to the side of the mat while your right foot to the front of the mat.
• Extend your arms out to the sides.
• Inhale as you reach your right hand toward your right ankle while keeping your left arm pointed upward.
• Gently open your chest to the sky leading this movement with your raised arm.
• Exhale as you return to the starting position.
• Repeat on the other side, focusing on deep, even breaths.

You can find a link to Trikonasana Instructions here.

5. Anulom Vilom (Alternate Nostril Breathing)

• Sit comfortably with your spine straight.
• Make a fist with your right hand and release the pink & ring finger as well as the thumb.
• Use your right thumb to close your right nostril and your right ring finger to close your left nostril in this practice.
• Close your right nostril, inhale through your left nostril, then close it and exhale through your right nostril.
• Inhale through your right nostril, then close it and exhale through your left nostril.
• Continue for 5-10 minutes, alternating nostrils and focusing on even breaths.

You can find a link to Anulom Vilom Instructions here.

These yoga poses and breathing exercises are just a starting point on your journey to better airflow and improved respiratory health. To deepen your practice and understanding of yoga's benefits for breathing, we recommend exploring the provided links for detailed instructions and additional resources.

Oxygen Plus (O+): Your Ideal Partner for Breathing Support

In addition to practicing yoga for optimal airflow, consider incorporating Oxygen Plus into your routine. O+ offers different sizes of portable oxygen canisters that are filled with 99.5% pure oxygen, giving an instant boost of pure vitality whenever your oxygen levels are below optimal levels. Depleted oxygen levels can occur when you’re exposed to polluted indoor or outdoor air, when consuming alcohol, during vigorous exercise, and for other internal and external demands placed on the mind and body. Whether you're practicing yoga, recovering from strenuous exercise, or simply seeking a quick, all-natural pick-me-up, O+ oxygen can help you breathe easy and feel more energized.

Developing new, healthy breathing techniques through yoga can be a transformative experience, leading to enhanced well-being, reduced stress and improved overall health. Embrace the power of deep, more even breathing, and embark on a journey to a healthier, more balanced life today. Your body and mind will thank you for it!

 

Oxygen Plus (O+) products, which contain pure recreational oxygen, are intended for recreational, intermittent use only, not to be used as medical nor life-saving products. Prolonged use is defined as uninterrupted intake for more than 8 hours. Any person with any type of health or medical condition should consult their physician prior to the use of O+ products. Since O+ is not a medical product or intended for medical use, it is neither regulated nor approved by the FDA.