Cecília Garrigós Castro
«Nazareth Castellanos, neuroscientist, explains that respiratory control deeply impacts the nervous system, the brain and the body. Techniques such as pranayamas activate the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and reducing stress. In addition, they synchronize brain areas linked to attention and emotional regulation, improving mental clarity. These practices optimize oxygenation, balance internal levels and reinforce the mind-body connection through the vagus nerve, promoting comprehensive physical and mental well-being.
In the Yoga-Sutra, the fundamental text of yoga, pranayama, or breathing exercise, is mentioned as a key tool for the mind to become suitable for concentration, contemplation and meditation. Pranayama not only regulates breathing, but establishes a bridge between body and mind, allowing us to achieve deep states of calm and focus.
TKV Desikachar stated that “the mind directs the body. On the contrary, if the mind offers resistance, the result can be disastrous. This thought reflects the close connection between body and mind, which are part of the same energy and matter. However, that which transcends beyond life is not the mind, but consciousness, within which the brain resides. From this perspective, death does not really exist, since consciousness is eternal.
Mastery of the breath leads to mastery of the mind. As Hippocrates said: «there is a common circulation, a common respiration. All things are related." Breathing has the power to calm the mind, and a calm mind relaxes and balances the body, creating harmony between the two.
According to yogis, our life is determined by a limited number of breaths. The faster and more irregularly we breathe, the shorter our existence will be. However, if we learn to breathe slowly and rhythmically, lengthening each inhalation and exhalation, we can extend our lives and live them more fully and consciously.
Yoga offers various breathing techniques designed to achieve mastery of breathing, an essential skill for balancing body and mind. If we consider that every living being breathes, since it is a sine qua non condition for being alive, this means that we all have the ability to practice and improve our breathing. By doing so, we not only become aware of this vital act, but we also connect more deeply with our body and mind.
The Viniyoga approach facilitates this process, since it is based on the principle of adapting to each person and their circumstances. This methodology allows anyone to start the practice from their own starting point, respecting their vital, physical and emotional characteristics. Thus, Viniyoga makes the transformative power of yoga breathing techniques accessible, regardless of previous experience or individual limitations.