Learning how to breathe through the nostrils instead of the mouth is an important technique to master the rhythmic movement of hindu squats.

The breathing mechanism of humans is so constructed that we may breathe either through the mouth or nasal passage, but it is vitally important which method is followed, as one brings health and strength while the other provides disease and weakness.

Many people in all walks of life habitually breathing through their mouths, leaving themselves open to many of the diseases to which civilization is subject and often caused by the common habit of mouth-breathing.

The organs of respiration have their only protective filters, or dust-catcher, in the nostrils. When the breath is taken through the mouth, there is nothing from mouth to lungs to strain the air, or to catch the dust and other foreign matter in the air. From mouth to lungs the dirt or impure substance has a clear track, and the entire respiratory system is unprotected. And, moreover, such incorrect breathing admits cold air to the organs, thereby injuring them. Inflammation of the respiratory organs often results from the inhalation of cold air through the mouth. People who breathe through the mouth at night, always awake with a parched feeling in the mouth and a dryness in the throat.

Air that is filtered through the nostrils, when entering the lungs, is as different from the outside air as is distilled water different from tap water.

RHYTHMIC BREATHING EXERCISE

The idea of rhythmic breathing is to “catch the swing” in order to absorb and control a greatly increased amount of internal energy. This will develop the technique of getting into the rhythm of the hindu squats.

In rhythmic breathing the main thing to be acquired is the mental idea of rhythm. Think of the idea of measured counting like in music or the rhythmic steps of soldiers and you will get the idea. A little practice will fix the rhythm, so that you will be able to easily reproduce it every time you practice hindu squats.

The following exercise in Rhythmic Breathing should be thoroughly mastered, as it forms the basics of correct breathing for many types of exercises apart from hindu squats.

• Sit erect, in an easy posture, being sure to hold the chest, neck and head as nearly in a straight line as possible, with shoulders slightly thrown back and hands resting easily on the lap. In this position the weight of the body is largely supported by the ribs and the position may be easily maintained. You will find that you cannot get the best effect of rhythmic breathing with the chest drawn in and the abdomen protruding.

• Inhale slowly a Complete Breath, counting six.

• Retain, counting three.

• Exhale slowly through the nostrils, counting six.

• Count three between breaths.

• Repeat a number of times, but avoid fatiguing yourself at the start.

• When you are ready to close the exercise, practice the cleansing breath (as detailed below), which will rest you and cleanse the lungs.

After a little practice you will be able to increase the duration of the inhalations and exhalations, just remember that the units for retention and between breaths is one-half the units for inhalation and exhalation.

Do not overdo yourself in your effort to increase the duration of the breath, but pay as much attention as possible to acquiring the “rhythm,” as that is more important than the length of the breath. Practice and try until you get the measured “swing” of the movement, and until you can almost “feel” the rhythm of the vibratory motion throughout your whole body.

THE CLEANSING BREATH EXERCISE

This is an exercise that can conclude many exercises, especially hindu squats. This Cleansing Breath ventilates and cleanses the lungs, stimulates the cells and gives a general tone to the respiratory organs, and is conducive to their general health. Besides this effect, it is found to greatly refresh the entire system.

• Inhale a complete breath.
• Retain the air a few seconds.
• Pucker up the lips as if for a whistle (but do not swell out the cheeks), then exhale a little air through the opening, with considerable vigor. Then stop for a moment, retaining the air, and then exhale a little more air. Repeat until the air is completely exhaled. Remember that considerable vigor is to be used in exhaling the air through the opening in the lips.

This breath will be found quite refreshing when you are feeling tired and generally “washed out.” Try it out, I'm sure you will be convinced.