Life-Sustaining Force?

After watching an anime "Ergo Proxy" i learnt abt a way to prolong our lives, it's like taking a new chapter of biology..interesting......from taking many deep breaths...i actually increased how long i'm able to hold my breathe from less den a min to 2mins now.....been doing tat for years...

Pranayama (breathe, life-sustaining force) is a breathing exercise which practitioners of yoga use in an attempt to extend their lives by simply controlling their breathing!!

"Pranayama is generally defined as breath control. Although this interpretation may seem correct in view of the practises involved, it does not convey the full meaning of the term. The word pranayama is comprised of two roots:prana plus ayama. Prana means 'vital energy' or 'life force'. It is the force which exists in all things, whether animate or inanimate. Although closely related to the air we breathe, it is more subtle than air or oxygen.

Therefore, pranayama should not be considered as mere breathing excersises aimed at introducing extra oxygen into the lungs. Pranayama utilies breathing to influence the flow of prana in the nadis or energy channels of the pranayama kosha (pranamaya kosa) or energy body. The techniques of pranayama provide the method whereby the life force can be activated and regulated in order to go beyond one's normalm boundaries or limitations and attain a higher state of vibratory energy

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Cautions

However, the practice of pranayama techniques is not trivial, and Kason (2000) mentions circumstances where pranayama techniques might disrupt the balance of a person's life. The possibility of adverse effects resulting from these techniques must therefore not be underestimated.

The real achievement of Pranayama is directly linked with the physical and mental activity of our, daily routine. Only when a perfect order is achieved in the routine of mundane life can we expect perfect mastery over breath and vital pulsations. It is always dangerous to attempt it - by beginning with the control of breath. Trying to control the breath without a control of our daily movements and reactions to others will produce dangerous turmoil in the constitution. Any experiment with the breath results in a stimulation of the energy centres on the etheric plane. When the physical and emotional stuff is not sufficiently purified beforehand then the turmoil causes stormy activity of the emotions. This results in great strain to the nerves and the vascular system. A total or partial wreck of the physical vehicle by paralysis, insanity or senility of mind may be the result of attempting Pranayama beginning with the control of breath before achieving the control of other activities.

A practical way of practising Pranayama should always be rightly discriminated, by the increase of ease and absence of discomfort at every step.

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Malpractices Of Breathing

Very few people breathe correctly. Some use only the upper part of their lungs; others breathe with only the diaphragm (lower part) leaving the upper structures of the lungs inactive and partially collapsed. In those parts of the lung that are not used, slimy secretions accumulate and the tissues become devitalized. Thus a luxurious soil is prepared for the tubercle bacillus, pneumococcus and other scavenger germs. This habit of shallow breathing accounts in a good measure for the fact that one third of all deaths result from diseases of the lungs. For one individual perishing from food starvation, thousands are dying from oxygen starvation.

Effective Breathing

Breathing problems can be corrected by yoga through the practice of Pranayama. Pranayama has various techniques that are designed for the maximum capacity utilization of the lungs - something tat most of us do not do. Yoga and pranayama also help in regulating the temperature of the breath flow thereby solving a lot of problems related to breathing.
The effectiveness of breathing exercises depends upon the mental attitude during the time of practice. Each motion should be accompanied by a conscious effort to make it produce a certain result. Much more can be accomplished through mental concentration by keeping your mind on what you are doing than by performing exercises in an indifferent, aimless way. Yoga and meditation exercises specifically provide such a training.
Do not breathe through the mouth. Nature intends that outer air must reach the lungs by way of the nose whose membranes are lined with tiny hairs and mucous which serve as wonderful filters. Also the air is warmed and moistened before it reaches the lungs which is extremely important.

How To Do?

Sit comfortably in any meditative posture. Sit erect. Keep the palms on the knees and observe your natural breathing. Feel the breath flowing and out of the lungs. Let the breathing be natural. Feel the abdominal movement while breathing. While inhaling , let the abdominal wall move out and while exhaling let it move in. Keep your mind clear, only "observing" your breathing. While inhaling, feel the power and energy flow and while exhaling imagine throwing out tension, stress and disease.

What good can this do?

> Provides deep relaxation to the body and mind.
> Strengthens the nervous system and respiratory system.
> Improves concentration.
> Relieves stress , depression and hypertension.

There you have it...tips..intesresting huh! ^^