It is wonder to know that only human beings have to learn how to breath. Our lungs are divided into lobes. At each breath we will inhale or exhale only 500ml of air. Where as our lung capacity is approximately 5800ml. So most of the time breathing takes place in the upper lobes only. This means we are not using our lungs to their fullest capacity. Even after complete expiration approximately 1200ml of air remains in our lungs. So we can make use of 4600ml of lung capacity for breathing. Think what changes are required to inhale that much air.

The Indian ayurvedic physician. Patanjali developed a scientific breathing practice called Yogabhyasa. Maharshi Patanjali proposed a theory called Astanga yoga. He was introduced 195 yogic principles in eight divisions. 1. Yama (Social disipline), 2. Niyama (Individual discipline), 3. Asana (Body posture), 4. Pranayama (Expansion of vital energy), 5. Prathyahara (With drawal of senses), 6. Dharana (Consentration), 7. Dhyana (Meditation), 8. Samadi (Self realisation).

The art of breathing in Yogabyasa is called Pranayama prana means gas, ayama means journey. In Pranayama practice air is allowed to enter three lobes of lungs inorder to increase the amount of oxygen to diffuse into blood. Deep breaths in Pranayama helps us to reduce breathings per minute form 20-22 to 15. Because of these deep breaths more amount of oxygen available to brain and tissues of the body will be more active. It is very important to practice Pranayama regularly to make our life healthy and active. All people irrespective of age and sex should practice Pranayama under the guidance of well trained Yoga Teacher to improve the working capacity of lungs.