Yoga breathing involves learning to breathe deeply and slowly. Most people practice shallow, hurried breathing in their daily lives and are unaware of it. This shallow breathing diminishes the potential for maximizing the bodies energy. The conscious technique of breathing awakens our organs and encourages them to function more adeptly. This breathing technique quiets the mind and enables it to focus on the moment.
Breathing is seen as the impetus for the body.
With this in mind, the yoga practioner is able to focus on the specified postures practiced and gain full benefit from them. Like other aerobic exercise, specific yoga postures tone and strengthen muscles as it improves balance and flexibility. Furthermore, other postures involve the improvement of the skeletal system and the bodies overall posture. Postures encourage release of anxiety, relaxation, and a reduction in stress. As the external body experiences these benefits, the internal organs benefit as well.