DEEP BREATHING

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXVI, Issue 18248, 5 August 1921, Page 6

DEEP BREATHING

By A NEUROLOGIST. We hear a lot about “deep breathing’’ in these days. It is a product of the Orient, and the occultists lay great stress upon its constant and regular practice. We of the Occident and orthodox have paid too little heed perhaps to the importance of correct respiration and still less to the undoubted helpful effects of deep breathing. The Western physician has looked at the matter mainly from the chem-ical-constituents point of view—it is an affair of oxygen only. The Eastern pnilosophers, however have for centuries taught that the mental powers, self-control, clear vision, happiness, and even the‘‘morals of mankind may be improved and enhanced through the practice of deep breathing.

It is generally contended by physicians in the West that any possible benefits are derived from the act of mental concentration necessary; you cannot breathe deeply without focussing the attention, whereas our ordinary modified breathing goes on automatically. Also it must not be forgotten that deep breathing promotes a sort of massage of the internal organs, which is of great service if regularly practised, and it has even been allowed that a series of deep breaths seems to produce a gently sedative effect upon the nervous system. But this is as.far as we go.

The Yogis, however, claim that, in addition to the known chemical constituents of atmospheric air, there is contained in it a vital force which they name “Prana.” This is in the air, but it is not the air itself, no one of its chemical ingredients; it is therefore something apart from the physiological functions.

It is said that by properly controlled breathing we are able to extract a larger quantum of “Prana,” which is stored away in the nervous system in much the same way as a storage battery stores away electricity. Thus is explained the vigour and vitality that some people appear to diffuse around them.

Deep breathing includes the play of the whole respirator apparatus every part of the lungs, every air cell and every respiratory muscle. These muscles are utilised to their full extent, whereas they rre only partly employed in the modified breathing. The method of practice is as follows:

Stand erect and inhale steadily through the nostrils. First fill the lower part of the lungs, then the middle part by pushing out the lower ribs and breastbone, and finally the higher part by lifting up the chest, as it were. The breath is then held for a few seconds, and exhalation is slowly accomplished through the mouth. Be the explanation what it may, there is no doubt that the assiduous practice of exercises in this form of breathing loes carry a certain sense of calm and relief to any state of nervous tension, promotes circulation and healthy body changes, and stimulates the liver and digestive organs.