
The Yoga of Breath | A Step-by-Step Guide to Pranayama | Richard Rosen | Book Summary
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The Effects of Poor and Efficient Breathing on Health
Poor breathing, often caused by bad posture, weak respiratory muscles, or chronic anxiety, can lead to significant health issues. Ineffective breathers tend to breathe quickly and take shallow breaths, often using their mouth for breathing. This reduces the amount of carbon dioxide in the circulatory system and slows down the circulation of oxygen in the body and brain. The consequences include rising or abnormal heartbeat, chronic anxiety, and decreased cognitive function. On the other hand, efficient and right breathing, which involves using the entire diaphragm and torso, taking slow and streamlined breaths, and using the nose instead of the mouth, leads to immediate revitalization. Nose breathing allows the lungs to receive more oxygen with every breath, achieving a helpful oxygen to carbon dioxide proportion and promoting clarity of mind and a calm state.