Ancient Forms Of Exercise To Lose Weight!
Thursday, June 5th, 2008Breathing is the life giving force that keeps us alive. We may be able to survive without water for some time but we certainly cannot live without air. Human lungs are capable of holding up to two gallons of air but most people breathe only two or three pints per breath.
Breathing is associated with the chest and abdominal breathing is not known to many. Breathing with the abdomen, also called diaphragmatic breathing, involves expanding the abdomen while inhaling and then expanding the chest while exhaling. This form of breathing ensures that blood is directed towards the vital organs, improving energy levels.
Alternative health practices such as Yoga, Qigong and Tai Chi focus mainly on breathing and simple body movements. Good breathing techniques, along with burning calories, also have a harmonizing influence on every system in the body.
Yoga: Yoga is one of the most ancient practices of self healing, which teaches the basic principle of mind, body and spirit unity. If the mind is restless and agitated, the health of the body is compromised. Similarly, if the body is in poor health, the mind is affected. One important aspect of yoga is that it increases the flow of prana (life energy.) The blockage of prana through improper diet, lifestyle stressors or imbalances in the mind, body or spirit can lead to illness. Breathing techniques and certain postures remove blockages and improve oxygen intake. (more…)


