Jai guru dev all,
Read below a beautiful article on The Stress-Breath Connection by Michael Fischman, president of the U.S. Art of Living Foundation.
The breath can be a powerful tool for regulating the mind and eliminating stress and impurities. Inhalation brings vital energy to the body, and exhalation relieves stress and eliminates toxins. The breath is also related to the vital life force or bio-energy. In the East, this vital force is known as "prana" or "chi." A lack of this energy results in lethargy, irritability, low enthusiasm, doubt and even depression. Conversely, more of this energy results in an overall improvement in productivity, health and interest in life.
There is another fascinating aspect to notice about the breath. Every emotion creates a specific rhythm or pattern of breath. When someone is anxious, under pressure or stressed there is a deviation in the natural rhythm of the breath, which limits energy and mental clarity. When centered and relaxed, the breath becomes more full and light, and efficiency and enthusiasm increases.
For the past 20 years, I have been teaching a powerful breathing technique, developed by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, called "Sudarshan Kriya Yoga" (SKY). It makes use of the relation between breath and emotions by including specific rhythms of breath that harmonize the body, mind and emotions and help individuals find relief from stress. Published studies have shown that after only one experience of SKY, there is an increase of the well-being hormone prolactin, among many other findings. Many of my students see improvements with depression, asthma, relationships, substance abuse, paralysis, arthritis, sexual dysfunction, coronary problems and other problems.
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