Proper breathing is important from the standpoint of both health and spiritual development. It increases our vitality and promotes relaxation. Breathing deeply can have powerful influences on our health. To understand how this is possible, we need to remember that the diaphragm is attached all around the lower ribcage and has strands going down the lumbar vertebrae. When we breathe deeply, the diaphragm moves through its entire range downward to massage the liver, stomach, and other organs and tissues below it, and upward to massage the heart. During deep breathing, also called "abdominal breathing," the downward and upward movements of the diaphragm, combined with the outward and inward movements of the belly, ribcage, and lower back, help to massage and detoxify our inner organs, promote blood flow and peristalsis, and provide an effective "pumping" action for the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system, an important part of our immune system, relies on the action of muscular movements, including the movements of breathing, to perform its duties.

Many people breathe too fast for the conditions in which they find themselves, and in a sense actually hyperventilate. This kind of fast, shallow breathing has many bad effects on our physical and emotional health. When we breathe deeply, however, our breath rate slows down since each inhalation involves the rhythmical pumping of our diaphragm, and helps activate our nervous system.  All this has a positive impact on our overall health.

Further study in breathing is recommended with our yoga classes, also offered at the Center.