Abdominal breathing

This most natural breathing style makes use of the diaphragm, the dome-like muscle that separates the lungs from the abdominal cavity. When babies breathe, we see their stomachs moving up and down. Many people's breaths become more shallow as they get older. Many adults take in shallow breaths only into the upper lungs, not utylzing the diaphragm. Using the diaphragm, abdominal breathing takes in air deeply into the lower lungs, bringing us so many benefits. While normally done in savasana as a yoga practice, this breathing can be done anywhere at almost any time. It is extremely calming to the entire system. Slow, rhythmic breathing deep into the lower lungs brings more oxygen to the body. The movement of the diaphragm massages the stomach, liver, and other organs below it. This breathing brings about overall feelings of well being physically and mentally. It is best practiced regularly while going about daily life so that it becomes the natural way of breathing once again.

How to: Lie in savasana and take a few breaths, just relaxing for a moment. Then, if you like you can put your right hand on your stomach and left hand on your chest. The left hand should remain stable and the right will move up on the inhalation and down on the exhalation. Or, let the hands fall to the side, palms up, in savasana. Inhale, slowly and deeply, feeling the stomach rise as the diaphragm expands downward allowing the lungs to fill with air. Exhale slowly, feeling the stomach fall as the diaphragm moves ups contracting once again against the lungs. Try inhaling and exhaling to a count of 4 seconds each. The breathing remains rythmic and gentle, never forced. Continue focusing your thoughts only on the breath and it becomes like a meditation. See Experiencing the breath.