The Science of Breath

The Science of Breath
by Yogi Ramacharaka

Yogic breathing exercises, a key to health and happiness.

People laughed at the image of pretzel-legged yogis focusing on the tip of their noses- until Swami Rama walked into a laboratory and showed scientists what a yogi with control over his respiration can actually do. Before astonished researchers, he demonstrated perfect control over his heart rate and brain waves- control physiologists hadnt believed humans could possibly achieve.

For thousands of years, yogic adepts have claimed that breath is the essential link between body and mind, energizing a subtle body which connects the physical and mental aspects of our being. In this landmark book, Swami Rama and two noted American physicians explore the science of breath as the missing key to both physical health and the attainment of higher states of consciousness. Basic yogic breathing techniques are explained so that we can immediately begin working with this powerful ancient science.

Chapter I. Salaam
Chapter II. Breath Is Life
Chapter III. The Exoteric Theory of Breath
Chapter IV. The Esoteric Theory of Breath
Chapter V. The Nervous System
Chapter VI. Nostril-Breathing vs. Mouth-Breathing
Chapter VII. The Four Methods of Respiration
Chapter VIII. How to Acquire the Yogi Complete Breath
Chapter IX. Physiological Effect of the Complete Breath
Chapter X. A Few Bits of Yogi Lore
Chapter XI. The Seven Yogi Developing Exercises
Chapter XII. Seven Minor Yogi Exercises
Chapter XIII. Vibration and Yogi Rhythmic Breathing
Chapter XIV. Phenomena of Yogi Psychic Breathing
Chapter XV. More Phenomena of Yogi Psychic Breathing
Chapter XVI. Yogi Spiritual Breathing