The power of breathing in Yoga

(Copyright 2016, Simona Z.)
Full or partial reproduction of this article requires permission from the author.

“Breath is the king of mind.” ― B.K.S. Iyengar, Light on Yoga​
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Anybody who has attended a Yoga class would have heard their teacher reminding them to 'breathe'. Of course, nobody would go through an entire Yoga holding their breath! What the teacher wold refer to is the 'proper' way to breath in Yoga, the so called 'Yogic breathing' or 'diaphragmatic breathing. A definition of the Yogic breathing is as follows:
''Diaphragmatic breathing, abdominal breathing, belly breathing or deep breathing is breathing that is done by contracting the diaphragm, a muscle located horizontally between the thoracic cavity and abdominal cavity. Air enters the lungs and the belly expands during this type of breathing. This deep breathing is marked by expansion of the abdomen rather than the chest when breathing. 
Diaphragmatic breathing is also known scientifically as eupnea, which is a natural and relaxed form of breathing in all mammals. Eupnea occurs in mammals whenever they are in a state of relaxation, i.e. when there is no clear and present danger in their environment.  When a mammal perceives potential danger, eupnea stops, and a much more limited and labored form of breathing occurs.
Eupnea is an efficient and effective form of breathing, which maximizes air intake, and minimizes muscular effort.​''
By practising the diaphragmatic breathing during a Yoga class, we will:

• ​increase the intake of oxygen into the body
• relax the mind by switching off the 'fight or flight' response
• relax the muscles in preparation for an intense and gradual stretch