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Yoga, an ancient practice, encompasses various philosophical streams all aimed at the holistic development of an individual. This discipline seeks to purify the spirit, abolish the dispersion, and break the automatic cycles that characterize mundane consciousness. This purification is considered an essential prerequisite for spiritual rebirth or liberation.
The term 'yoga' is derived from the root 'Yui', which means 'to bind together'. It represents any ascetic technique or meditation method aimed at spiritual purification. Unlike many other philosophies, yoga does not believe in the separation of spirit and matter. It views every manifestation of the phenomenal world as a state of consciousness, revealed through the vibrations of Prana, or the life force. According to yoga, the faster these vibrations, the more consciousness manifests itself as a physical entity.
Yoga helps us recognize the egocentric nature of the mind and its tendency to create fictitious phenomena without objective evidence. It aids us in not clinging to people or things in an unhealthy way, recognizing and rejecting imaginary or deceptive feelings, and seeking balance in all physical and psychic activities.
Breathing is central to yoga philosophy, serving as the primary means of exchange between the external environment and ourselves. Each inhalation corresponds to joy, light, and positivity, while each exhalation corresponds to melancholy, darkness, and emptiness. With every breath we take, we let in a part of the universe, and with every breath we release, we give a part of ourselves back to the universe.
Breathing is facilitated by several muscles, including the diaphragm, intercostals, thoracic, and abdominal muscles. During inhalation, the diaphragm lowers, the external intercostals widen the rib cage, and some thoracic muscles raise it. On the other hand, exhalation is facilitated by the elastic return of the lung tissue and inspiratory muscles. In deep exhalation, the abdominal muscles actively contract, allowing the diaphragm to rise higher, and the internal intercostal muscles narrow the rib cage's volume.
Pranayama, the yogic practice of breath control, plays an important role in the communication between the conscious and unconscious mind. The study of breathing practices allows for an improvement in the control of all emotional states, as well as the state of mental concentration.
Pranayama derives from the words 'Prana' - life force, and 'Yama' - control. Prana is ubiquitous and is found in all living forms, water, earth, and food. According to Yoga philosophy, it can be absorbed in large quantities through breathing.
During the breath-holding phase with full lungs, the energy spreads throughout our organism, while in the breath-holding phase with empty lungs we are able to experience the perception of "nothingness". Yoga, therefore, gives great importance to the breath-holding phase.
In conclusion yoga is a holistic discipline that focuses on the unity of mind, body, and spirit. It uses techniques like pranayama to control and direct the life force or prana, thereby leading to spiritual liberation. By recognizing the egocentric nature of the mind and its tendency to create illusions, yoga helps us seek balance in all activities, both physical and psychic. Through the practice of yoga, we can achieve a state of harmony and peace, improving our overall wellbeing.