Breath holding is the cessation of the movement of air into or out of the lungs. The earliest recorded formal methods of breath holding come from ancient yoga texts. Here, breath holding (kumbhaka) is the central pillar of the 4000 year old yogic breathing practice known as Prāṇāyāma (meaning to retain or hold the breath) where the ultimate aim is to use breath holding as a way to reach a state of meditation or higher consciousness.
Learning breath holding involves many different elements and stages. These include special techniques that cleanse and clear the internal system, heat or cool the body, balance the body and mind, and create a state of absolute relaxation; as well as a careful step-by-step process that gradually and safely introduces the student to breath holding techniques for optimal results.
The main benefits of safely and properly learning the art of breath holding include:
- Increased CO2 tolerance and associated ability to hold the breath for longer
- Strengthened and improved respiratory system
- Improved brain function
- Relief from stress
- Improved focus and concentration
- Better immune system function
- Lowering high blood pressure
- Improved digestion
- Weight loss
- Higher quality sleep
- Clearing sinus congestion
- Help with symptoms of depression.