In the normal, everyday quiet breathing that we do, we only use 1/8 of our full lung capacity. Yet, taking deep, full breaths can release toxins from the body and help regulate the body's pH balance, a very important aspect of a balanced and healthy body. Yoga, which comes from the Sanskrit word meaning "union," is a spiritual practice that uses the body's posture, breathing exercises, and meditation to energize and balance the whole person. A recent study suggests that yoga postures and breathing exercises significantly improve lung capacity over time, as well as enhancing general well being (Birkel and Edgren).

Yoga dates back nearly 5,000 years and is part of the ancient Indian healing science known as Ayurveda. Today, approximately six million Americans practice yoga regularly. There are many branches of yoga, but Hatha Yoga is the most popular form of yoga practiced in the United States today. People who practice yoga tend to develop good coordination, posture, flexibility, range of motion, concentration, sleep habits, and digestion. The breathing, exercise (asana) and meditation techniques that constitute yoga improve health in many ways; however, scientists don't know exactly how yoga produces its healthful effects. Some attribute the beneficial effects to the stress-reduction aspects of relaxation techniques. Others believe that yoga promotes the release of endorphins (natural painkillers) in the brain. Although physical exercise such as jogging may offer cardiovascular benefits, yoga routines are arguably kinder to muscles and joints, and they have the advantage of improving heart and lung function without putting any added strain on them. And, according to Yoga instructor Ann Harrison of the Ayurvedic Institute in Alburquerque, New Mexico, the power of yogic breathing—moving the breath within the body through deep breathing—can have immediate, tangible results, even for those who do not have great flexibility.

In the Birkel and Edgren study, 287 college students (89 men and 198 women) practiced yoga for 50 minutes twice a week for 15 weeks. Except for 68 participants who were either asthmatic or smokers, there were no known lung ailments among the group. Lung capacity (the volume of air inhaled and exhaled) was measured before the study and again at the end of the 15-week period by the use of a hand-held spirometer. At the end of the 15 weeks, vital lung capacity had improved significantly. It is hard to say, however, whether these findings were the result of yoga poses, breathing exercises, relaxation, or some other aspect of participants' lives. Further research on yoga may be able to clarify this for us so that we can better understand just what it is about yoga that has this effect.

Meanwhile, if you would like helpful information on how to find a yoga practitioner in your area, visit the website of the Yoga Research and Education Center at http://www.yrec.org/. You may also wish to contact the American Yoga Association at http://www.americanyogaassociation.org/ for additional information on yoga specialists in your area.

Birkel, DA, Edgren L. Hatha yoga: improved vital capacity of college students. Altern Ther Health Med. 2000;6(6):55-63

Harrison, Ann. Yoga and vital lung capacity. Integrative Medicine Consult. February 2001;3:2.