Slowly release the breath

This simple quote has an interesting physiological basis. 

For a long time, doctors and researchers assumed that increasing CO2 levels in the blood stream would signal the brain stem to inhale. They found that this was not true. It was the lack of movement of the diaphragm that signals the brain stem to inhale. 

By gradually releasing the breath, and slowly increasing the diaphragm length, the nervous system is tricked. A very desirable tolerance to CO2 grows slowly. CO2 is another vasodilator in conjunction with Nitric Oxide, increasing the efficiency of blood flow and getting oxygen to the mitochondria. CO2 tolerance increases cellular respiration, physical endurance and physical ability. This simple quote is the underlying basis of many of the great praanaayaama feats the yogis have demonstrated.

The best way to increase the length of the exhale is to add sound, like a hum, or an ujjaayee aspirated sound.

You might consider going farther with praanaayaama by joining This Next Breath 1. Students revel in its simplicity, effectiveness and the daily inspiration they receive. An increase of lung volume, blood flow and a decrease of anxiety symptoms are only the beginning. Everyone can benefit.

With a solid foundation, and a steady practice, This Next Breath 2, the Advanced Course, opens up the foundation into something completely different, Swami Kripalu's inspired spontaneous style of practice with practices never before mentioned in any text book or video. 

There is a teleconference course called the "Certification Course" that anyone can join to help them do both courses and realize a significant practice, gradually, over time. Wishful thinking and talking about praanaayaama, doesn't go very far.