The Breathing Technique

As strange as it sounds, most of us do not know how to breathe properly. Shallow breathing –reaching only the upper chest- tends to be the norm for the majority of people, especially if we live a rushy and stressful lifestyle.

As we experience an array of emotions every single day, each of these feelings generate a reaction that in many cases goes unperceived. From fear of disapproval and rejection to guilt, anger, sadness, worry and concern, these and other stressors create emotions that affect the way in which we breathe, on a moment by moment basis. Just observe an angry person’s breathing pattern and you will witness this first hand.

To make matters worse, some people experience breathing problems due to already existing health conditions such as sleep apnea, allergies, excess weight, and asthma amongst others.

The implications of emotions on health are becoming well known, and when breathing gets affected by these emotions and existing conditions, the importance of proper breathing becomes obvious.

Let’s review a handful of effects that shallow breathing has over our health.


From the physical viewpoint, improper breathing causes hypo-ventilation which prevents proper oxygenation of the blood. As muscle cells are deprived from oxygen, fatigue, stiffness, pain and exhaustion become common.

Moreover, when brain cells suffer from lack of oxygen, the results are nervousness, irritability, headaches, foggy mind, and difficulty with concentration and problem-solving. If not corrected, this condition can spring into on-going lack of motivation and lack of vitality. This can eventually produce depression.

And then, there are some aspects of breathing that are not commonly known or discussed, even though these can profoundly impact the overall health of an individual in a more comprehensive manner.

These are the psychic, mental and spiritual aspects of breathing.

From the spiritual viewpoint, breathing is a process of exchange in which we ‘take in’ from the Universe, and we give back to it. It is a rhythmic exchange of energy, a basic and natural part of the life we all share.

But it goes even further. When a person knows how to properly breathe, he/she is fully capable of the nature of that energy and can send prana on purpose to strengthen and invigorate a specific organ in his/her body. This is extremely powerful to aid in the healing process and keep the body functioning at peak performance.

"One who has mastered the science of storing away prana, either consciously or unconsciously, often radiates vitality and strength which is felt by those coming in contact with him, and such a person may impart this strength to others, and give them increased vitality and health. What is called 'magnetic healing' is performed in this way, although many are not aware of the source of their power."

From the psychic viewpoint, when you breathe properly you can recharge your vital energy and even learn to project your healing thoughts to others at will by just using the power of breathing to accumulate and then release prana with a specific intention.

In this regard, breathing can be used in conjunction with Reiki for distance healing purposes.


Moreover, you can influence others at a distance giving that your motives are pure and of good will. You can also charge water to enhance its hydrating and natural healing properties.

From the mental viewpoint, not only can the body be controlled by the mind under direction of the will, but the mind itself can be trained and cultivated by the exercise of the controlling will, all by using proper breathing. From self confidence, to self control and increased mental power, the advantages are diverse and obvious.

"The Occidental teachings show that the physical health depends very materially upon correct breathing. The Oriental teachers not only admit that their Occidental brothers are right, but say that in addition to the physical benefit derived from correct habits of breathing, Man’s mental power, happiness, self control, clear-sightedness, morals, and even his spiritual growth may be increased by an understanding of the Science of Breath."

Now that you’ve learned about the power of the breathing technique, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that meditation, yoga and other oriental practices like Tai-Chi, as well as self development in general rely on the power of breathing for feeling more connected, more aligned and healthier in mind, body and spirit.

The advantages of proper breathing are immense, and like such we should all dedicate some time to re-learn how to breathe as when we were babies. Fortunately, it is not difficult at all.

The "Hindu Yogi Science of Breath" a complete manual of the Oriental Breathing Philosophy of physical, mental, psychic and spiritual development will provide you not only with the facts, but with exercises that you can easily practice on your daily life.

All it takes is getting the know-how and some practice. You do not need to learn yoga or assume the position on the cover of the ebook. Give it a try. Your body, mind and soul will thank you accordingly...

"The atoms of the human body are in constant vibration. Unceasing changes are occurring. In a few months there is almost a complete change in the matter composing the body, and scarcely a single atom now composing your body will be found in It a few months hence. Vibration, constant vibration. Change, constant change."

Footnote: All quotes on this page were taken from "Hindu-Yogi Science of Breath" by Yogi Ramacharaka.

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