How to breathe correctly

No please don't think I am joking. We all know how to breathe but do we correctly breathe in to take enough oxygen for our lungs. Many don't. When I was going through an article about Pranayama ( Deep Breathing exercises in Yoga) I came to know something, which I wanted to share with you all.

To know if you breathe correctly do one simple exercise. Lie down on your back. Keep your hands on your stomach and breathe in deeply. If it is your stomach which is raising with your breathe then you are doing it the right way. If your chest part is raising then you have to start learning from the first, how to breathe.

You have to start filling your lower part of the chest first and then slowly the upper part, so your stomach raises first and then your chest. This is the right method.

Inhaling

First, push the stomach forwards as you breathe in.

Second, push the ribs sideways while still breathing in. The stomach will automatically go inwards slightly.

Third, lift the chest and collar bone up while still breathing in.

Even though this is described as three separate processes, it should be done in a smooth, continuous rhythm with each part following smoothly on from the previous part. Try to avoid any jerky movements.

Exhaling

First, just allow the collar bone, chest and ribs to relax-the air will go out automatically.

Second, when all the air seems to be out, push the stomach in slightly to expel any remaining air in the lungs.

Exhaling is a more passive affair, except for the second stage when the stomach is pushed in slightly.

If you can follow this method you will start taking in more oxygen and there by improve your health also. Your blood will get purified better and your resistence to infections will improve.