A yogi should master the ability to hold the breath in and out. Holding the breath in it seems always easier than hold the breath out.

The reason to this is because the brain will react when the carbon dioxide, CO2, levels are to high, but it doesn’t react when the levels of oxygen, O2, go high or low.

Base on this fact, you will be able to hold the breath in or out for longer periods of time, by taken several inhales, or exhales. Blowing a little bite of air out, or in will create a change in the levels of the carbon dioxide, CO2.

The correct way to hold the breath is relaxing the muscles of the diaphragm, ribs, and abdomen, suspending the breath.

To hold the breath in:

Breathe in, by pushing the lower abdomen out, then the middle abdomen, and finally the chest. Hold the breath in. And bring the chin in without creating tension in the neck or shoulders.

To hold the breath out

Exhale, by releasing the air in the chest first, then the middle abdomen, and finally the lower abdomen. Hold the breath out. Lift the chest. Pull the chin in. Relax.

Stay as long as is comfortable, if you feel dizzy stop immediately! This can be built up with time be patience.

Benefits

Expansion of the lungs capacity.

Helps to deal better in stressful situations.

Builds up more efficiency.