Primal Primer 18 (Fitness)
Breath work plays a significant role in human history across many cultures; impacting physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
Survival & Physical Optimization – Early humans use breath control during hunting, running, and labor intensive tasks to optimize energy and endurance. Techniques such as nasal breathing during endurance actives help conserve energy and maintain stamina. Cold & heat adaptation is also enhanced through methods of controlled hyperventilation and breath holding attenuating body temperature and stress response.
Healing & Health – Breath control has been central to managing stress and anxiety across time. The practice of slow, deep breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system, helping to calm the sapien. Ancient forms of pranayama in yoga supports the body’s immune system to increase resistance to illness by lowering blood pressure and reducing cortisol
Spiritual & Ritualistic Significance – Various forms of breath work has been a part of spiritual practices for thousands of years. In Hinduism and Buddhism Pranayama (breath control) helps in achieving higher states of consciousness and mindfulness. Similar practices are found in Taoist traditions, where breathing regulates the flow of Qi for spiritual enlightenment. In shamanistic rituals, breath work is incorporated to induce altered states of consciousness, enabling communication with the spiritual worlds and healing the psyche. Modalities such as holotropic breath work to open these doors.
Emotional Regulation – Trauma release through breathing is known to aid in resolving trauma both acute and chronic. Therapies of breathing is also central to many cultures in honing focus in combat and creative expression (sometimes 1:1 the same battle). Samurai warriors were known to use breath work in staying calm in high stress situations or coming down from a day high overstimulated.
To Breath Is To Be
Autonomic processes of respiration never turns off. However, we can utilize and sharpen specific protocols to optimize and exert degrees of functionality to a seemingly subconscious activity. Be it psychedelic holotropic work to expand experience, nasal breathing to calm the mind and body, bracing to stabilize and create proximal rigidity, or hypoxia training to stimulate discipline, capillary growth, and healing. With technique, intention, and frequency your breath is a powerful supplement to performance.
~Cave Implementation~
Practice breathing everyday. Breath is a switch that can be activated during yoga, weight training, driving, walking, or meditation. Seek out ancient techniques of those that have come before, those who are, and to come. Experiment and be consistent in your research. When in discomfort, out of pocket, or seeking a different functional states, remember your breath.
Breath Is A Powerful Supplement To Performance.
