Breath As a Basis for Mental and Physical Health

Ayurveda understands the body to be composed of many layers- the physical body, called the “food body”, is the densest and most solid layer. It is the root for the others, and from there the layers become increasingly more subtle. The energy body, or the “breath body”, consists of prana which is generated through the process of breathing. Beyond this is the mental/ emotional body and it is linked to the physical by the bridge of prana. So breath work is the pathway for uniting body and mind. When these first three bodies are united, the wisdom body, or higher intelligence can be accessed.

The fastest way to calm the nervous system is through breath. As we know from modern research, a calm nervous system is part of the foundation for health. Breath has the ability to regulate sleep, digestion, hormones, adrenals, and even change the brain waves. Mental disorders like anxiety, depression, and panic attacks all have physiological impacts. Breath practices can alter the mental state and relieve many of the physical symptoms associated these disorders.

Ayurveda helps us understand which practices will be helpful for each person. If one is feeling the heaviness and lethargy of depression, lightening and uplifting breathing exercises can help bring balance. On the other end of the spectrum, the excessive light and busy feeling caused by anxiety can be reduced by calming and grounding breath exercises. Breath practices can also facilitate the release of repressed or unexpressed emotions leading to greater freedom and more energy.

Yoga For a Flexible, Strong and Resilient Body

Yoga is an ancient system for living. It is not just a form of exercise. The postures, or asanas, are designed to increase self-awareness and the side effects are strength, flexibility, increased energy, and resilience due to a strong immune system.

Breath is a key component to yoga, because the body feels safe to allow change when given the proper signals from the breath. A deep diaphragmatic breath sends the signal to the nervous system that it is safe to relax, then the muscles are free to lengthen. Muscles that are longer are stronger, because they have more contractile force. They are also less likely to be injured. Each posture stretches certain muscles and strengths others, but the breath is what opens the body.

Yoga and breath prepare the body for meditation. The energy channels of the body are opened with the breath, the muscles are lengthened relieving blockages in postures, and the fluids of the body are free to flow. Our immune systems are based on the fluid systems of lymph and blood, so they are strong and resilient when they can flow properly. A healthy body, free of illness, aches, and pains is the ideal vehicle for meditation as there will be less distractions due to discomfort.

At Lakshmi’s Garden we use the knowledge of Ayurveda to understand your body and its specific needs. Yoga and breathwork are always designed specifically for you with practices that will bring you back into balance; there are no “one-size-fits-all” practices. We assess your doshic constitution, imbalance, as well as injuries, aches, and pains to evaluate where to begin your journey to healing.