- Explanation of Breathing
- When we are tired, we naturally yearn or sigh. This unconscious reaction
is our body's wisdom to maintain the balance of our mind and body. The
negative qi associated with our exhaustion, frustration,
anxiety is expelled in the form of yawning and sighing. When this happens,
we always breath abdominally (Abdominal Breathing).
Breathing is controlled by the autonomic nervous system. However, we can
harmonize our autonomic nervous system through consciously moving (contracting
and releasing) our diaphragm and abdominal muscles. In the autonomic nervous
system, there are sympathetic nerves and parasympathetic nerves, which
function in an opposite manner (exciting and relaxing). Inhalation is known
to have an effect on the sympathetic nerves, and exhalation on the parasympathetic
nerves. It is "the relaxation of breath" which effectively takes
advantages of these Breath is the "life-process" that connects
the body and mind, and it can be considered as an essence of healing mechanisms.
According to an old writing of Chinese Buddhism, there are "Four Elements
of Breath."
There are Fu (Wind), Zen (Rhythm), Qi (Life-Energy), and Soku (Breath).
Fu indicates the sound of breath; Zen is the rhythm of breath; Qi is vibrations;
Soku indicates a sense of oneness. The first 3 elements are called the
elements of disharmony. And, the last element is considered as the element
of harmony, which leads to the level of physical and emotional happiness.
Also, Shuri Saibaba in India teaches that we are connected with God through
our breath. According to him, the sound of inhalation is Him (God) and
the sound of exhalation is Self (person). Thus, the sound of both inhalation
and exhalation means that "I am God."
"Breath relaxation" is a simple method which anyone can do at
any place regardless of age.
Please always start breathing with exhalation. Something may change as
you acquire the essence of breathing. Let's master "the relaxation
of breath."
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