Learning the different breathing techniques of Yoga is as important as learning Yoga itself. The purpose of these techniques is not to suggest rigid breathing techniques that need be followed to the letter but to establish and practice healthful breathing rhythms. Through learning the traditional Yoga breathing techniques you will be able to achieve additional relaxation and relieve your body from stress.
The first traditional technique is called the high breathing which refers to what happens in the upper part of the body particularly the chest and the lungs. This technique is also known as Clavicular Breathing or Collarbone Breathing which involves raising the collarbone, ribs, and shoulders while the person is breathing. This is usually being practiced by persons having asthma or any one with shortness of breath. Though this is stated as one of the techniques, this is not so much a desirable way to breathe since it is the upper lobes of the lungs that are being used which has smaller air capacity.
The other traditional breathing technique is called the low breathing which refers to the lower parts of the chest and lungs. This is done by moving your abdomen in and out which will change the position of the diaphragm. This is sometimes called Abdominal Breathing or Diaphragm Breathing. We often use low breathing when we are asleep. To do it voluntarily, what you can do is you can push your stomach slowly while you inhale and allow it to return to its original position upon exhaling. This is far more effective than the high breathing technique because more air is taken in while you are breathing since you are using the lower lobes of the lungs which has more air capacity than the upper lobes. Another reason is that through this breathing technique the diaphragm acts like a second heart in which its piston like movements allows the base of the lungs to expand sucking in more venous blood, which in turn enhances the venous circulation, which will result in overall improvement of blood circulation.
Middle breathing is somewhat in the middle of the two techniques mentioned since it involves using the middle part of the lungs. When you combine all three breathing techniques, you will be able to come up with what is called the Complete Breath. This technique involves the use of the whole respiratory system and not only specific parts of the lungs but all of it, making the benefit even better by taking in more oxygen than any of the three techniques mentioned.
The Yoga complete breath is the combination of all three techniques therefore you should be able to master it since it is the technique where your body can derive maximum benefit. You just need to take note of the things mentioned above and make sure that you breathe through your nose and not with your mouth.
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