The Benefits of Reverse Breathing

Most of us think that running cycling, swimming, jogging, aerobics and workouts in Jims and other activities that demand hard labor are the types of exercises. But in reality, it is not so.

But just to breathe at a place in a peaceful sitting posture is also an exercise. Go for breathing exercise, if you wish to remain healthy and fit.  One of the best exercises is the exercise of Reverse Breathing. It is different from the normal exercise and is also called the Yogic Exercise.

During the Normal and the Reverse Breathing, both the diaphragms are used, but the movement of the stomach is different.

In Reverse Breathing the coordination of the opposite movement of the stomach is done during inhaling and exhaling.

Interestingly we all unknowingly resort to Reverse Breathing during the blowing the balloons, or lifting and pushing the heavyweights, or during fear, panic or nervousness.

Here in this article the importance and necessity of dong Reverse Breathing daily is highlighted.

Beneficial For the Lungs

Fill the lungs with the air as much as possible and then start the Reverse Breathing. In this way, a large amount of air reaches the lungs and improves their performance. This type of breathing is very beneficial for the athletes because the lungs need sufficient energy and expansion to support the other parts and organs of the body. This type of breathing is more beneficial for the people who breathe from the mouth.

Beneficial For Internal Organs

Reverse Breathing is very good for the proper functioning of the digestive system and the optimum functioning of the internal organs. The Reverse Breathing helps to tighten the muscles of the stomach with each inhaled breath; and removes the harmful bacteria and versus from the body with each exhaled breath. More and more oxygen reaches the body in Reverse Breathing.

Meditation

Reverse Breathing also helps in meditation, as it increases the energy in the body. The students who learn the art of meditation could be further trained to use and channelize this extra energy.

Stress may be the reason for becoming ill again and again. The stress weakens the immune system and makes a person prone to becoming ill. The Reverse Breathing pacifies the mood, removes stress and provides overall health.

Strengthens the Stomach Muscles  

Reverse Breathing helps to strengthen the muscles of the stomach. The muscles of the perineum or the pelvic region of the abdomen contract as and when the air is inhaled and these muscles get relaxed when the air is exhaled. The Reverse Breathing brings the muscles of the stomach in the forward and outward direction. This exercise is very beneficial for the digestive system and overall fitness.

Seated Buddha
Wikimedia Commons by British Museum

How to Perform the Reverse Breathing  

Sit on the floor in Padmasana or Lotus position i.e., by folding the legs and placing each foot on the opposite thigh as the image of sitting Buddha.  

But here reverse the direction of hands. Put both the hands flat on one another with palms pointing downwards in the lap below the lower part of the stomach so that both the thumbs touch the naval. 

Now fully inhale the breath and simultaneously, slowly and completely pull the stomach inward towards the spine.

Now exhale and release the breath slowly with simultaneously expanding the stomach to its normal outward position.

Repeat this action 5 to seven times.

It is advisable to perform the Reverse Breathing every day for at least 15 minutes to get the maximum benefits.