The respiratory system is one of the most important parts of the body since it is connected with the whole body and supplies oxygen to every cell. It includes lungs, nose, mouth, sinuses and all the passages through the body which transport oxygen through the blood.Oxygen is inhaled, then transformed into energy and carbon dioxide is exhaled. Additionally the air is used to produce sound through vibration of the vocal chords. Anything that causes lack of oxygen in the respiratory system has a series of negative results and in worst case, leads to death. This simple fact makes it clear how important it is to breathe correctly and to keep our lungs and respiratory system healthy.
It seems that the practice of yoga exhibits a powerful and profound effect on the respiratory system. With ‘Pranayama’ breathing exercise in yoga, you can increase your intake of oxygen up to five times. The more oxygen rich blood to brain, heart, lungs and digestive organs will enable these organs work better and further bolster your health. Moreover, deep breathing can help you to improve the flow of your lymph system thereby helping the body to get rid of toxins. The regular practice of breathing exercises not only multiplies the efficiency of respiratory system but also can sort out me problems in respiratory system like sinus, asthma, hay fever, shortness of breath and allergies.
Apart from breathing exercises, there are of cause also physical yoga poses that support the respiratory system in doing its work by expanding the lungs and giving them space to breath, by activating the different body parts and stimulating the blood flow so that Oxygen can be provided until the tips of your toes. Yoga asana such as backbends and some standing postures open up chest region not only relax the tight muscles that area but also one begins to use areas of the lungs which had formerly consisted of ‘dead space’ due to bad posture, emotional tension and environmental factors. By doing inverted postures, circulation throughout the body is radically altered and areas above the heart receive on increased supply of blood due to the effect of gravity.
In conclusion, all of the systems of the body are closely related thus concentrating on yoga asanas which directly benefit one system will also influence other bodily system and the body as a whole.
Thida (IHA Student)
