1.- The first time a human being breathes
When a child is born, its first inhalation represents the beginning of life. Any problem in this process can be equivalent to premature death. On the other hand, the last breath of a person means the final step and separation from this world.
Between these two spaces in time, birth and death, the human being breathes constantly, even if he is not aware that this process is what sustains his life.
“Breath is life; in the absence of breath, life vanishes.”
says a famous yogic proverb.
2.- The efficient teachings of Yoga
Yoga teachings have always emphasized how important it is to pay attention to correct breathing. According to Tantric teachings, a person breathes approximately 21 thousand times in a day. This means one inhalation and one exhalation every four seconds.
Normally, a person breathes more slowly when they are relaxed, and more quickly when they are performing an action. As an example, when performing the sacred ceremony of making love, it accentuates the breath, activates the heart, and makes the blood flow rapidly.
In the tantric traditions there are different practices and breathing techniques where breath control is totally dominated in a profound and strange way, for those who do not know these control techniques.
According to yogic tradition, life is closely related to the breathing pattern. This is easily noticed in the case of reptiles.
A great example is the tortoise, which breathes slowly and has a long lifespan. On the contrary, the mouse has a rapid breathing pattern that implies a short lifespan.
“The vital energy will reach high levels by slowing down the rate of breathing. This vital energy will decrease as the rate of breathing increases.”
Gheranda Samhita
Therefore, many Yogis dedicate their practice to gaining conscious and complete control over their breath, knowing that this will make it easier for them to gain control over their destiny.
“The body of one who regularly practices breathing techniques develops harmoniously, has a pleasant smell and becomes strong and attractive. The sage who practices these techniques will destroy all the Karma of this life or his previous lives. “
Shiva Samhita
3.- Method to turn breath into knowledge
Let’s try it now: without having to change your rhythm of inhalation and exhalation, place your hand on the abdomen, a little above your navel.
First, notice if the abdomen, when you inhale, is relaxed. Breathing happens when the lower abdomen expands as air enters the lungs and contracts as you exhale.
However, unconsciously, many people breathe in different ways. As an example, many people inhale and exhale only through their mouth instead of through their nose. This way of breathing decreases our ability to concentrate, makes us physically weak and makes us more prone to heart disease.
Yogic and Tantric teachings affirm that abnormal breathing produces stress, reduces vitality, and enhances emotional and mental problems as well as physical exhaustion.
Tantric and Taoist techniques indicate the importance of breathing in a controlled way during lovemaking, to focus consciousness and be able to sublimate sexual energy and access altered and introspective states.