Importance of Rhythmic Breathing

According to yoga and science of pranayama, disease is a manifestation of an imbalance in the flow of prana. Both body and mind are sustained by prana and thus interact to a greater extent than is normally imagined. For example scientific experiments have shown that peristalis (the intestinal churning necessary for digestion) is greatly inhibited. Another example of the interrelationship between the body and mind is influence of emotions on the breath. When we are afraid breathing become shallow and rapid; when depressed breathing becomes heavy and labored.

Psychologists have shown that there is correspondence between personality types and breathing patterns. Yoga science also recognizes such a correspondence, but according to yoga the relationship between the breath and mind is reciprocal.

For example certain state of mind can be achieved through certain breathing patterns. By consciously adopting that mode of breathing we can evoke the corresponding state of mind. By consciously making the breath deep, even and regular, and rhythmic we will experience noticeable release of tension over the body and mind and increased sense of relaxation and tranquility.