109: Anatomy Of Breathing

In many cultures, the word for breath is the same as the word for life. The quality of our breathing is often a direct reflection of our psychological and emotional states. 

Physiologically, breathing provide us with the oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange that is essential for cellular respiration. Breathing is also one of the few physiological processes that is both autonomically and consciously controlled; our capacity to mindfully control the breath gives us a powerful tool to directly shift the state of our nervous system and sense of well-being. 

For thousands of years, breath control has been a yogic tool for managing the mind and preparing for meditation. In our stress-filled world, these ancient techniques can provide us with important tools for managing stress, improving self-awareness, and recognizing the connection between the mind, body, and emotions. 

By understanding the anatomy of the breath, you will be better able to share these techniques and this wisdom skillfully with your students. 

Note for CE Credits: If you are a current teacher taking this course for Yoga Alliance CE credits, you may submit for 3 hours of Anatomy and Physiology credit via the Yoga Alliance website.

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

  • Appreciate and describe the role breath plays in emotional well-being and self-connection.

  • Contrast the thoracic and abdominal cavities and effectively teach both a "chest" and "belly" breath.

  • Accurately describe how the diaphragm, lungs, and accessory muscles work with pressure and volume to create a typical breath.

Course Curriculum

109: Anatomy Of Breathing

  • 1
    WELCOME AND COURSE ORIENTATION
    • START HERE
    • HOW TO TAKE THIS COURSE
    • SYLLABUS
    • ABOUT YOUR FACULTY
    • COURSE MATERIALS
    • Q&A
  • 2
    LESSON ONE: THE HOLISTIC BREATH
    • JOURNAL REFLECTION #1
    • INTRODUCTION
    • JOURNAL REFLECTION #2
    • GUIDED BREATH EXPERIENCE
    • JOURNAL REFLECTION #3
    • LESSON SUMMARY
  • 3
    LESSON TWO: PHYSIOLOGY OF THE BREATH
    • INTRODUCTION
    • WHY WE BREATHE
    • STRUCTURES OF BREATHING
    • THE DIAPHRAGM
    • VISUALIZING THE DIAPHRAGM
    • JOURNAL REFLECTION #4
    • BELLY VERSUS CHEST BREATHING
    • QUIZ: LESSON TWO
    • LESSON SUMMARY
  • 4
    LESSON THREE: HOW WE BREATHE
    • THE MECHANICS OF BREATHING
    • JOURNAL REFLECTION #5
    • ACCESSORY MUSCLES (HELPERS)
    • MECHANICS OF BREATHING: ANIMATION
    • INTRA-ABDOMINAL PRESSURE
    • QUIZ: LESSON THREE
    • LESSON SUMMARY
  • 5
    LESSON FOUR: BREATHING AND YOGA
    • INTRODUCTION
    • JOURNAL REFLECTION #6
    • FULL, COMPLETE BREATHING
    • UJJAYI PRANAYAMA
    • KAPALABHATI KRIYA
    • ASANA
    • QUIZ: LESSON FOUR
    • ACTIVITY: TEACH A FULL, COMPLETE BREATH AND JOURNAL REFLECTION #7
    • LESSON SUMMARY
  • 6
    CONCLUSION
    • FINAL ASSESSMENT
    • ACADEMIC HONOR
    • CONCLUSION & OUTSIDE PRACTICE

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