Primal Primer 18 (Fitness)
Breathing 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 enhanced via controlled hyperventilation, attenuating body temperature. Breath discipline when releasing arrows also essential for calming nerves and ensuring accuracy.
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 sapiens. Ancient forms of pranayama yoga supports the body’s immune system, increasing 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, holotropic breath work is incorporated to induce altered states of consciousness, enabling communication with the spiritual worlds and healing the psyche.
Emotional Regulation – Release through breath is known to aid in resolving acute and chronic trauma. Central to many cultures, breathing improves focus in combat and creative expression (reciprocal benefit). Samurai warriors were known to use breath work in staying calm in high stress situations or coming down from overstimulation of battle.
To Breath Is To Be
Autonomic processes of respiration never turns off. Utilize and sharpen 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, 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.
