“In the breathing exercise, breathing is consciously controlled in certain patterns that are very similar to ours. Pranayama has scientifically revealed benefits such as stress reduction, improved sleep quality, lowered blood pressure, improved cognitive function and better control of diseases such as asthma and less cravings while quitting substances such as nicotine. Incorporating this method into your routine can improve one’s life spiritually and physical,” mentions Dr Vivek Anand Padegal, Senior Consultant Pulmonary Diseases, Fortis Hospital, Bangalore.
6 health benefits of incorporating breathwork into your daily routine
1. Lowers blood pressure
The practice of breathwork has a positive impact on people’s overall health. “Breathwork has been shown to significantly lower blood pressure. In addition, it can treat hypertension and improve blood flow throughout the body. Deep breathing helps improve the delivery of oxygen to your cells. This can help you feel more awake and energized,” says Dr. Rohini Patil, nutritionist and CEO of Nutracy Lifestyle.
2. Reduces stress
One of the main benefits of breathwork is stress management. In addition, studies suggest that breathwork can improve stress-related conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome and post-traumatic stress disorder. “Incorporating breathwork into your daily routine helps regulate the autonomic nervous system. This can lower heart rate, regulate blood pressure and decrease the release of the stress hormone cortisol. notes nutritionist Lovneet Bhullar Batra.
“Breathwork or any form of mindfulness meditation protects the immune system by naturally lowering cortisol levels. It helps manage stress, can help build strength, revitalize energy and reduce the effects of depression or other mental illnesses,” says Vidhi Chawla, dietitian and founder of Fisico Diet Clinic.
3. Improves overall health
Breathwork is a popular choice among athletes because it can improve overall health. “To improve your breathing, focusing on diaphragm strengthening is also a great strategy. Regular breathing exercises can help you gain overall strength, making breathing easier during physical activity,” adds Dr. Rohini Patil.
“The connection I like to show with breathwork and health is improving cardiovascular endurance, and in turn fat loss. Learning to breathe properly while doing long, cyclical forms of cardio allows us to perform with higher quality movements for longer periods of time in our workouts. You learn not to let your lungs tire too quickly and to maintain a steady pace during your workouts (this works for running, rowing, cycling, or even bodyweight cardio). You end up moving more and burning more,” states fitness coach Sanika Vaid.
4. Helps overcome depression
Belly breathing helps overcome depression. “When thoracic breathwork is combined with deep inhalation and exhalation in equal breaths, one can overcome depression, panic attacks and sleep disturbances. Problems and pressures of everyday life make breathing shallow and limited. With guided breathwork, one can get into a very comfortable space emotionally and overcome various health issues,” mentions Bijal Doshi, yoga instructor at YogDivine.