The rest phase of breath, that all important pause, the point at which the inhalation or exhalation momentarily halts is a very significant aspect of the breath. Many have no cognizance of it due to shallow breathing. However, there are many benefits that can be derived from the pause. There are metaphysical implications to the pause, as well. These aspects can lend to a deeper understanding and appreciation (physiological dynamics) of the pause.
The Pause at full inhalation is called abhyantara khumbaka in (yoga) pranayama practice. It is the yang phase of the breath; the energetic doing aspect of the breath. Not only are the lungs and associated musculatures are fully expanded and extended / diaphragm fully contracted The body is able to receive breath down into the fascia. This is the point at which one can experience to fullness the transition within the pause. The momentary pause contains space for naught but the present moment.
. Benefits of Abhyantara Kumbhaka include:
- The goal of Abhyantara Kumbhaka is to improve energy levels and prana shakti, commonly known as life power. It gives the body more vigour and energy and enhances a person’s general well-being.
- When the body’s life force energy is enhanced, the neurological system is engaged, which aids in the improvement of balance, coordination, and movement.
- This breathing method can help you improve your respiratory system’s performance. The capacity of the lungs is improved if done over a period of time.
- People suffering from back discomfort, lack of confidence, and lethargy might benefit from it since it enhances the flow of Prana in the body.
- If you’re feeling down or sad, pranayama can help lift your spirits and keep negative thoughts at bay.
- Because it increases the flow of oxygen, pranayama is also believed to improve intellectual power, memory, and focus
A pause phase exists at the bottom of the exhalation. It is what some might call the negative phase. It is called Bahya Khumbaka in yoga. It is the non-doing or Yin phase of the breath. This is the place where ‘phears’ and doubts exist. Many individuals avoid this aspect of the breath and thus neglect this important part of fully breathing. Again, this phase of the regular breath leaves naught but room for the present moment.
Bahya Pranayama Benefits include:
- Stimulates and improves the digestive system This Pranayama helps to improve the digestive system prevents stomach problems such as acidity, gastric reflux, constipation,
- Prevents Issues related to abdominal organs Promotes a fresh supply of blood, which keeps the stomach, spleen, liver, kidney,
- Cleanses and improves respiratory system It clears the lungs and saves a lot of energy from dissipating outside
- Reduces symptoms of diabetes It stimulates the pancreas. This can reduce symptoms of diabetes and may help in reducing blood sugar levels
- Increases focus and concentration It increases the level of concentration and sharpens the memory, calms the nervous system, promotes better oxygen and blood circulation toward the brain.
It increases the level of concentration and sharpens the memory, calms the nervous system, promotes better oxygen and blood circulation toward the brain.
It increases the level of concentration and sharpens the memory, calms the nervous system, promotes better oxygen and blood circulation toward the brain.
It increases the level of concentration and sharpens the memory, calms the nervous system, promotes better oxygen and blood circulation toward the brain.
- Anatomical Effects
Bahya Pranayama is most effective for the abdominal muscles. it is an effective Pranayama for many abdominal diseases. Holding breath out is the process of detoxification.
There are phases natural fullness that exist in nature. High Noon, High tides, Full Moons, the summer solstice. These are natural aspect of the physical world. They are necessary component of 3D existence from which modern society has detached itself. This should not be that case. Just as one clamors for a nice summer afternoon, they should seek to experience the fullness of (an) inhalation.
New moons, sunsets, and the winter solstice are our natural ending cycles. The light disappears and seems to pause in the sky—the word “solstice” actually means “sun- stillness.” There isn’t a rush to a new beginning, there must be a pause first, an acknowledgement of the ending of the last cycle before the new one can begin. It’s a time for grieving and letting go and ending the stories we need to end so new stories can be born. Without the emptiness phase the fullness phase cannot grow (again) — at least, as long as we are alive to inhale with it.
The pauses are indicative of the ‘no – thing – ness’ of existence. Through connection to the pauses we experience the fullness of no-thingness as transitory. Through various practices we can extend the length of the pauses and learn to reside in the no-thingness of being. One of the initiatory steps in this direction is through meditation. Meditation does not promote stopping the thoughts. It is learning to inhabit the space (the no-thingness) between the thoughts. Developing that awareness elicits a developing of sensitivity to phases of the seasons, lunar cycles, physical actions, etc. The no – thingness is a most critical aspect of being yet it is grossly misunderstood. The pause must be; the no-thingness of the pause is leads to the transition of the phase.
Breath. One need not commit to a formal pranayama routine, per se. All that one need do is to breath and to breath . . . FULLY and to take time for a slight pause at the ends of the inhalation and the exhalation. Do this daily up to ten times Take time to notice the breath. Extend it out to the ends of un-known cosmic expanse. Feel it reach into the very minutest of the fabric of ‘reality’. Allow yourself to connect to all of that in such an intimate fashion that you become it / it becomes you.
Every Day is an Opportunity. Every Breath is a Universe
Ab-Sutra Wellness and Fitness 