Learn the Four Stages of Breathing

Inhale, and God approaches you. Hold the inhalation, and God remains with you. Exhale, and you approach God. Hold the exhalation, and surrender to God.
~Krishnamacharya

In Yoga, breath work is called Pranayama. As one of our most vital functions, the breath is of central importance to the physical and spiritual practice of yoga. Proper Breathing, brings more oxygen to the blood and consequently to the brain. It follows that a well-fed brain will work better.

When you think of a single breath, you probably think of one inhale followed by one exhale. Did you know there are actually four phases or stages of each breath? Each stage has a distinct nature relating to direction and movements of muscles, lungs, thorax and abdomen. They can be short, as in panting, or long.

The Four Part of Breath

1. Inhalation
The process of drawing in air should be smooth and continuous.

2. Full Pause
There are various techniques for maximizing the benefits of this pause, the deliberate stoppage of flow of air and retention of the air in the lungs. A beginner may notice this state by simply remaining still, or holding one’s breath.

3. Exhalation
The process of releasing air from the lungs should be smooth and continuous. The speed of exhaling is different from that of inhaling. Whereas we use our muscles to inhale, exhaling consists merely of relaxing the tensed muscles. Such relaxing forces air from the lungs as they return to a relaxed condition.

4. Empty Pause
The pause after exhaling completes the cycle, which terminates as the pause ends and a new inhalation begins.

The four parts of breath come into play during various breathing exercises, but just an awareness of them will improve the quality of your breathing.