For most of our lives the body’s autonomic system controls the depth and rate of our breathing. But through pranayama, we can improve our lungs and nervous system and their ability to make breathing more efficient. This is achieved by controlling the rate, depth, and quality of the breath.
Better breathing means a better and healthier life.
Benefits
There are many benefits to pranayama. These include:
- Increased lung capacity, breath efficiency and blood oxygenation;
- Improved blood circulation, cardiac output, O2/CO2 exchange, HRV (heart rate variability);
- decreased blood pressure and cardiac work;
- Increased parasympathetic activity;
- Improved control over sympathetic activity;
- Lungs remain clean and healthy;
- A fresh and healthy supply of blood is maintained to the lungs and other areas of the body;
- The internal organs such as the liver, kidneys, spleen, and pancreas are massaged, stimulated, and cleansed, and the intestines and digestive system are stimulated;
- Improved mental and physical vitality.