Lungs are the most important organs in our body specially when it comes to reducing stress and combating viruses and other airborne pathogens. Lungs play a critical job of bringing oxygen from the air into our body which is than passed on to trillions of our cells. Based on the scientific data, optimum supply of oxygen is critical for the immune system to fight against stress, viruses and other pathogens that enter our system on daily basis. Did you know that over 70% of the toxic waste leaves our body through the lungs in the form of carbon dioxide. We can increase this % even higher with certain breathing exercises (continue reading).
According to the Lung Institute, "Our lung capacity naturally declines with age, starting at age 30. By the age of 50, our lung capacity may be reduced by as much as 50 percent. This means that the older you get, the harder it is for your lungs to breathe in and hold air. When we breathe in less oxygen, our body and cells also receive less oxygen, forcing our heart to work harder to pump oxygen throughout the body."
Thankfully, it's never too late to increase the capacity of our lungs to breathe in more oxygen. The best way to do it is through the ancient practice of "Pranayama" or breathing exercises. The most powerful breathing exercises are those that are done with a certain "rhythm" . These type of breathing exercises stimulate and strengthen the diaphragm which is a critical muscle involved in the natural breathing process. The stronger the diaphragm the more air can potentially enter the lungs and oxygenate our cells.
According to www.Lung.org "Over time, stale air builds up, leaving less room for the diaphragm to contract and bring in fresh oxygen. With the diaphragm not working to full capacity, the body starts to use other muscles in the neck, back and chest for breathing. This translates into lower oxygen levels, and less reserve for exercise and activity. If practiced regularly, breathing exercises can help rid the lungs of accumulated stale air, increase oxygen levels and get the diaphragm to return to its job of helping you breathe."
Think of it like this, when we lift weights regularly in the gym or at home, it strengthens a certain set of muscles say arm, legs or shoulders. A strong set of muscles has more energy and can withstand an injury (internal or external) much better than weaker muscles. When we practice rhythmic breathing exercises, it strengthens the diaphragm and importantly increase lung's capacity to inhale more oxygen. The more oxygen we breathe in, the more oxygenated our cells becomes which leads to stronger immunity. It is actually as simple as that :)
Ancient yet new: The ancient techniques of Pranayama or breathing exercises have been practiced for thousands of years. Hundred's of scientific studies have shown how these techniques offer a wide spectrum of health benefits.
SKY Breathing Exercise:
Since past 10 years (long before Covid-19 came into picture), both my wife and I have been practicing a rhythmic breathing exercise called (SKY Breath Meditation). As a result, a number of good things have happened in our lives. Just 20 minutes of the daily practice of SKY has brought a deep sense of peace and depth into our lives. We don't get on emotional roller coaster rides that much and we smile a whole lot more -often for no reason :) Our stress levels are greatly reduced and we are able to take on much bigger challenges in our personal and professional lives. SKY breathing exercise has been around for 4 decades and is practiced daily by millions of people in over 155 countries. It's positive impact on physical and mental health is well documented in well over 60 independent studies. A study out of University of Arizona and Harvard showed that practicing of SKY Breath Meditation significantly improved stress, sleep, social connectedness, distress, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and life satisfaction. The study showed that the benefits from the daily practice became even more as time progressed.
Who should learn and practice SKY?
Any one who is 18 or above and is looking to reduce stress and anxiety and want more peace and happiness in their lives should learn and practice SKY breathing exercise.
What do the SKY teacher say?
When I asked the experienced meditation and SKY teacher Mr. Raajesh Ganeshan about the positive impact of SKY, he responded "When we consciously oxygenate our body through rhythmic breathing exercises, it eliminates stress and boosts our immune system. This gives us an added layer of protection, something all of us can use at this time, isn't it? "
Science backed health benefits of SKY breathing exercise:
Increase in lung's capacity to hold more oxygen
Strengthen diaphragm
Increase Immunity
Increase in antioxidant levels
Lowers blood pressure and cholesterol
Lowers stress and anxiety
Lower symptoms of depression
Reduces addictive behaviors
Increase in energy levels
Increase in the feeling of peace, calm and happiness
Greater mental focus
What do yoga experts say about SKY?
For this blog, I also reached out to a certified Yoga teacher (Milauni Nagar) who swears by the huge impact SKY has made in her personal life and practice of yoga. Here is she in her own words. "In the practice of any given form of Yoga, the most important aspect is the Breath or Prana or Life force energy. If a person's breathing is shallow, that means she/he is under utilizing their lung capacity. Many of my yoga students practice SKY breathing technique and over the years I have seen how their yoga practice has become much more impactful. They are able to get most benefit out of their exercise routine/format because with SKY practice they are now able to utilize their lung capacity to the maximum. The expanded inhalation/exhalation of breath helps one with their fitness goals of strength, wellness & healing much more effectively and easily. I highly recommend everyone to learn & take up the practice of SKY ".
How to learn SKY?
Just as it is not advisable to go to gym and start lifting weights on your own (if you have not done it before), practicing rhythmic breathing exercises correctly requires some training and hence should be learned under the supervision and guidance of a certified teacher else you will not see the desired effects. SKY breathing exercise is taught by Art of Living Foundation via zoom. It is taught by certified teachers who have gone through many months of training. These workshops are taking place throughout the year, all over the world and you can find one that suits your time. In fact there is one happening next month.
Research on SKY: One of the most successful books on the healing power of breath was released in 2020 by author James Nestor. The best selling book is called "Breath: The New Science of a Last Art", James researched breath and it's impact on health and studied hundreds of breathing exercises / techniques from different parts of the world. He even did breathing experiments on himself at the prestigious Stanford university under the care of top researchers. Here is he is in his own words on his experience with SKY.
Breath has NO religion:
Breath has no religion, in fact, breath is the one unifying force that connects and unites all living beings on this planet. Have you noticed, we usually question and doubt something that is really good for us. But when we have to get angry at someone or some situation, we express it right away :) Many times regretting it afterwards. I typically spend few hours volunteering every week in a 1 hour introductory sessions on SKY breathing. During these introductory sessions, I see people from all walks of life, different cultures/religions, and diversified ethnic and social backgrounds. They all want the same things -more peace & happiness and less stress & worries. When these folks learn and practice SKY their stresses and anxieties simply go away and they become more calm, centered, free and happy for no apparent reason.
Holistic lifestyle is the key to health:
We must take responsibility for the health of our mind. According to WHO (World Health Organization), the next big pandemic (which I think is already here) is stress induced mental issues like anxiety, fear, depression, uncontrolled anger etc. Stress is now considered the # 1 toxin that plays a role in all physical and mental diseases. By practicing SKY daily for just 20 minutes, you will reduce or eliminate your stress and gain a whole lot more than just your immunity. If you have any questions about learning SKY, you can send me a message or call me directly at my cell number 408-910-2084, It would be my pleasure to connect you with a SKY teacher.
Peace and Blessings to all :)
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