2 Influence of Controlled Breathing (Pranayama) on Dermal Perfusion
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2.2 Breathing
The normal rate of breathing in a human being is on the average fifteen times a minute
and 21,600 times in every twenty-four hours. However, this number varies according
to one’s way of life, health and emotional state. The lungs are directly concerned
with the absorption of oxygen in the arterial blood and the disposal of carbon dioxide
in the venous blood. As food is necessary to sustain the body, breathing is essential
for maintaining the life force. It is said that man may survive without food for several
days but without breathing he may not survive for more than three minutes. Thus, if
breathing stops so does life. The depth and rate of breathing is so regulated as to meet
the supply of fresh oxygen which is constantly needed by the cells and to discharge
the carbon dioxide accumulated in them. The breathing cycle consists of three parts:
inhalation, exhalation and suspension. Inhalation is an active expansion of the chest
by which the lungs are filled with fresh air. Exhalation is normal and passive recoil
of the elastic chest wall by means of which the stale air from the lungs is emptied.
Suspension is a pause at the end of each inhalation and exhalation. These three form
one cycle of breathing. The breathing affects the heart rate as well as the quality of
blood pumped by the heart to the various regions of the body including the brain [6].
Breathingas the source of oxygen uptake is the most important function of the human
body which is fundamental for its very survival. This maintains the oxygen level in the
blood stream to the required amounts, which, when transported through the arteries,
will fuel metabolism of the multitude of functions within the human body. The most
important consumer of oxygen in the body is the brain which accounts for almost
25% of all oxygen uptakes through the breathing process. The quality of the breathing
process plays an important role for maintaining good health [7]. This refers to the
manner in which oxygen is inspired and carbon dioxide is expired. In this respect,
the external sections of the nose serve to gather air and accelerate its flow, forming
a rapid jet that enters the cavity within the face, the internal sections of the nose.
The internal nose is strategically connected to the brain through the olfactory bulbs
which are responsible for the sense of smell [8].
2.3 Control of Breathing
Normally, the air enters and leaves the lungs at a rate of 14 to 16 times per minute
without one being aware of it. Breathing is one of the few bodily functions which,
within limits, can be controlled both consciously and unconsciously.
35
2.2 Breathing
The normal rate of breathing in a human being is on the average fifteen times a minute
and 21,600 times in every twenty-four hours. However, this number varies according
to one’s way of life, health and emotional state. The lungs are directly concerned
with the absorption of oxygen in the arterial blood and the disposal of carbon dioxide
in the venous blood. As food is necessary to sustain the body, breathing is essential
for maintaining the life force. It is said that man may survive without food for several
days but without breathing he may not survive for more than three minutes. Thus, if
breathing stops so does life. The depth and rate of breathing is so regulated as to meet
the supply of fresh oxygen which is constantly needed by the cells and to discharge
the carbon dioxide accumulated in them. The breathing cycle consists of three parts:
inhalation, exhalation and suspension. Inhalation is an active expansion of the chest
by which the lungs are filled with fresh air. Exhalation is normal and passive recoil
of the elastic chest wall by means of which the stale air from the lungs is emptied.
Suspension is a pause at the end of each inhalation and exhalation. These three form
one cycle of breathing. The breathing affects the heart rate as well as the quality of
blood pumped by the heart to the various regions of the body including the brain [6].
Breathingas the source of oxygen uptake is the most important function of the human
body which is fundamental for its very survival. This maintains the oxygen level in the
blood stream to the required amounts, which, when transported through the arteries,
will fuel metabolism of the multitude of functions within the human body. The most
important consumer of oxygen in the body is the brain which accounts for almost
25% of all oxygen uptakes through the breathing process. The quality of the breathing
process plays an important role for maintaining good health [7]. This refers to the
manner in which oxygen is inspired and carbon dioxide is expired. In this respect,
the external sections of the nose serve to gather air and accelerate its flow, forming
a rapid jet that enters the cavity within the face, the internal sections of the nose.
The internal nose is strategically connected to the brain through the olfactory bulbs
which are responsible for the sense of smell [8].
2.3 Control of Breathing
Normally, the air enters and leaves the lungs at a rate of 14 to 16 times per minute
without one being aware of it. Breathing is one of the few bodily functions which,
within limits, can be controlled both consciously and unconsciously.