How to breath

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I have often heard someone in a tone of great anxiety mention they have no idea when to breath in Yoga. And although the smartest response might be to suggest breathing all the time :)) there is no one sentence reply.

What's so different about Yoga breathing?
In yoga we are guided to inhale as we move into asanas (postures). We inhale on an upward movement and in a movement that requires chest expansion. We can also exhale as we move into a stretch or asana. In general we exhale when bending down, twisting or moving deeper into pose. 

That sounds easy.

Well it is and it isn't. If I asked you to tell me what poses expand the chest (for example) you might have to scratch your head a little, and when physically involved in our practice there isn't much time for head scratching! (which is kind of the point anyway!)  Add to this the differences in teaching styles. Furthermore, Yogis sometimes believe they need to hold their breath until they hear the magic words inhale and exhale.  All of this of course is before being introduced to ujjayi breathing...

That sounds complicated I think I'll just forget about this breathing lark....

Stick with your Pranayama (breathing techniques)! Not only will using the word every now and again make you sound very educated but it will transform Yoga into a moving meditation. You must admit, a gateway to tranquillity in times of challenge is kind of handy!  

OK, how do I do that again?

OK, if you're new to Yogic breathing or confused try this on for size: lie on your back  and bring your hands to your abdomen . Inhale through your nostrils visualising the breath coming in through your feet filling the lower body and abdomen with breath. Exhale allow the breath to leave the body in the same manner (out through the nostrils visualising sending the breath from the abdomen down through the lower body and out through the feet again.) Continue deepening the breath until you are filling the mid chest and upper chest with breath as well as the lower abdomen. 

Well what if my fracking teacher says inhale when I am exhaling?

First master breathing steadily through your practice and don't get overly concerned about the "proper time" to inhale and exhale! The reality is that when you do learn the "proper" time for inhalation and exhalation you may realise that you have already been doing this, as in practice (rather than theory) it is quite intuitive! Just don't hold your breath!