Breathe.

It’s something we do subconsciously. Inhale. Exhale. It is the very reason we are alive. It’s is part of our biology, psychology and spirituality, but simply put it is the process of taking air into and expelling it from the lungs. Yet, it is also so much more than this. We have harnessed the use of our breath for various things, such as, calming ourselves, meditating, yogic breathing and even sex. However, our breath can also work against us, making us experience things such as, panic or anxiety attacks. Nevertheless, it can also be a path toward a better life, embracing breathing techniques which help calm us and creating a more fluid path for our mind and body. Through breath we can feel emotions, guide our thoughts, make clear decisions, meditate, stay calm and serene in tense situations, and most importantly, have great sex!

The term breathing is medically known as, “physiological respiration”, made up of two parts: external respiration and internal respiration. External respiration (ie. breathing) involves bringing air into the lungs (inhalation) and releasing air to the atmosphere (exhalation). Whereas, when we are experiencing internal respiration, the oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged between the cells and blood vessels. This all begins at the nose or mouth, where oxygenated air is brought in before moving down the pharynx, larynx, and the trachea. The trachea branches into two bronchi, each leading to a lung. Each bronchus divides into smaller bronchi, and again into even smaller tubes called bronchioles. At the end of the bronchioles are air sacs called alveoli, where gas is exchanged between carbon dioxide and oxygen. Throughout this amazingly meticulous structure, we breathe. However, we cannot forget the diaphragm. The diaphragm contracts and flattens, making the lungs expand, drawing in air. When the diaphragm relaxes, air flows out and thus, allows the lungs to deflate. In a nutshell, that’s how we breath.

However, breathing can also act as our enemy if we allow it. This most commonly occurs when we are tense or stressed, causing panic attacks and anxiety attacks. These “attacks” are a causation of stress, which in turn, activate the “flight-or-flight response”. This consequently leads to an intense domino effect of uncomfortable symptoms, such as, shortness of breath and hyperventilation. Shortness of breath (referred to as dyspnea) and hyperventilation (known as over breathing), are very much so connected to one another. When we experience shortness of breath, we typically breath fast as a response, which unfortunately leads to hyperventilation and triggering or worsening the shortness of breath. Therefore, conveying how breathing can symbolise an individual’s internal state. It comes to no surprise then, that there are yogic breathing techniques which aid us to regulate our stress and breath; such as, pranayama breathing (i.e. yogic breathing). This form of breathing has been found to reduce stress and improve an individuals overall wellbeing. This is because the technique focuses on breath control, building on and extending one’s “life force” through the inhalation, breath retention and exhalation patters. So why don’t we all practice this type of yogic breathing? Easier said than done.

Another form of yogic breathing technique which guides our body and mind toward harnessing our energy, is tantric yoga. Tantric yoga is a form of yoga aligned with tantra, an ancient spiritual practice originating in India, Tibet, and other parts of Asia; often associated with tantric sex, a sensual, spiritual form of sex. The concept of tantric yoga, in regard to sex, opens up a whole new way of being in sexual connection; allowing us to access deeper levels of feeling, sensation, energy, and ultimately, more of who you really are. Based on the sacredness of our bodies and desires, tantra brings mindful awareness to the shared expression of pleasure. Through the breathing techniques of tantra, we are able to release shame, trauma, and blocks around sex, leading to unimaginable orgasms. Through this holistic approach, sensuality also becomes a doorway to “beingness” and to a more intimate experience of the present moment. What’s not to like? As the word tantra means “to weave” in Sanskrit, classical tantra consists of reaching a spiritual enlightenment through connecting with your energy. Henceforth, traditional tantra yoga focuses on an internal connection and reflection of oneself; along with physical flexibility, strength, achieveing self-knowledge and empowerment. Sounds easy right? Especially for us mere mortals coming from the West, running around like hamsters on heroin, not knowing what the word “relaxation” means. It’s inevitable that we subsequently sometimes even forget to breath. As we subconsciously hold our breaths when we are tense or stressed, should we perhaps start to ponder whether this lifestyle is truly a healthy one? Our breathe will not fail us, but will we fail our breath?