The breath is the key link between the mind, body, and emotions. Attention to the rhythms of the breath and their effect on health was part of the ancient knowledge of the art of living.

The breath is an effective tool to remove stress and impurities from the system and bring clarity and focus to the mind. It plays an essential role in how we feel physically and emotionally.

Over 80% of emotional and physical impurities in the body are eliminated through the breath, yet most people use less than 35% of their lung capacity.

In a fast paced age where stress and depression are widespread, the toll of stress on physical and mental health can be extremely high. Stress, anxiety and depression are known to be significant factors in the onset and progression of a wide spectrum of illnesses ranging from cancer and HIV-1 infection, to asthma and cardiovascular disease.

The breath is the link between the mind and body. Like other rhythms throughout nature, our breath also moves in specific patterns at particular times. Have you ever observed your breath when you felt anxious, angry, relaxed or happy? Every emotion is instantly reflected in the rhythm of the breath.

Through the rhythmic breath pattern of the Sudarshan Kriya® , that is the core of the Art of Living workshops, the rhythms of the body, mind and emotions are brought in sync with the rhythms of nature. Healing of the body, mind and heart takes place leading individuals to discover the vast reservoirs of inner peace and joy .

Su means proper, darshan means vision and kriya means purifying practice and the Sudarshan Kriya is exactly that - a purifying practice.

Through the Art of Living courses, millions of people across the world irrespective of age, race, religion and gender, in over 145 countries and across 5 continents, have experienced the benefits of inner peace, good health and a stress-free mind.

The Science of Breath

The yogic science of breath is a precise 5,000+ year-old science of health promotion. It is one of the first sciences to recognize the impact of mind and emotions on creating and restoring optimal health.

One of the most comprehensive breathing techniques derived from this science and taught by the International Association for Human Values is Sudarshan Kriya®.

Sudarshan Kriya and its accompanying practices, are understood to use specific rhythms of breath to eliminate stress, support the various organs and systems within the body, transform overpowering emotions and restore peace of mind.

These time-honoured stress management and health promotion techniques produce many health benefits which are now being validated by modern medical science.

Independent research has shown that Sudarshan Kriya and accompanying practices significantly:

• Reduce levels of stress (reduce cortisol - the "stress" hormone)
• Benefit the immune system
• Reduce cholesterol
• Relieve anxiety and depression (mild, moderate and severe)
• Increase anti-oxidant protection
• Enhance brain function (increased mental focus, calmness and recovery from stressful stimuli)
• Enhance health, well-being, and peace of mind

These simple, yet powerful breathing practices have a unique advantage over many other forms of treatment: they are free from unwanted side-effects, cut health care costs , and are easy to learn and practice in daily life.

Numerous research studies have been conducted to study the positive effect of Sudarshan Kriya on various diseases like Hypertension, Diabetes and Anaemia.

For more details on the "Science of Breath" research, visit: http://www.aolresearch.org/index.html

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