Yoga Breathing versus Meditation

I get asked these questions all of the time. So whats the answer?

Obviously on a case per case basis there are a number of variables to consider when answering this question, such as, personal preference or even ones ability to practice but it is worth noting that in traditional yoga practice, pranayama or yoga breathing was taught as an entry into meditation.

Why was this?

Well breath work is so easy to do. We all breath so we all possess the ability to be taught how to do it correctly.

When it comes to meditation on the other hand, its often not easy or appealing to some. The mere thought of sitting there on the floor trying to focus on one thing, when you have a million and one things on your mind is not only difficult but it can often feel intimidating. This is why its so tough to remain consistent and why many people loose interest and stop practicing altogether. I should know as I was one of these people.

When it comes to yoga breathing you always have something to focus your attention on. Whether it be the sound of your teachers voice, your hand positions, your breath count or even your breathing itself.

Another benefit of yoga breathing is the results. Both yoga breathing and meditation have phenomenal health benefits. Both practices balance your nervous system, your endocrine system, control your stress response and even have the potential to lengthen your life. They will certainly improve it.

The most important thing to consider is can you do it every day without any obstacle to your ability to practice. You see, with both practices, consistency is everything.

While meditation is amazing, with plenty of free resources available on sites like YouTube, as well as some great guided apps. In reality very few people are able to be consistent enough with their practice to ever see the full potential.

Yoga breathing is far more accessible, it can be practiced anywhere and at anytime and what is most important, you get all of the same benefits to your overall health and well being.

It doesn't end there, as long as you practice consistently the results are guaranteed. Some of our water category practices for example are so safe and simple you can do them anywhere. This includes while driving or sat in traffic or standing in line at the grocery store and the results are immediate.

If, like me, you are someone that struggles with meditation, either the practice itself or the consistency that it requires then breath work really is for you.

In fact, it can even help you to clear the mind before meditation. I now start my meditation practice with a breath work exercise and the results have been profound.

I used to struggle to with almost every aspect of meditation. I struggled to switch off, or maintain my focus, but I especially struggled to visualise so I would constantly loose interest. Simply by adding a one of our water or a whiskey breath work techniques I now find that I enter my meditation practice in the right mindset to go deep and the knock on benefits have been huge.

So what are the benefits of regular breath work practice? If you suffer with stress, anxiety or are of a nervous disposition, if you have digestive problems such as indigestion, acid reflux or heartburn. If you struggle with insomnia or general sleep problems, or an energy imbalance then breath work is a science backed, accessible, and highly effective way for you to take complete control of your mind, your body and your nervous system. It really does work and whats even better it can be practiced in less than 5 minutes per session.

If you are interested in hearing more or you would like to sign up for our 4 week program book your free 'no-obligation' breath work discovery session on our breath work page.

Do something today that your future self will truly thank you for, and arm yourself with these simple, science backed, highly effective 'self care' tools that will last you a lifetime.

What do you have to lose?

Good vibes

Nikki Jo Edyvane - MCMA

Nikki is a certified breath work coach and complementary medical practitioner specialising in the endocannabinoid system, plant medicine and the gut brain connection. He is an associate member of the Complementary Medical Association.

He's also a very keen blogger, podcaster, yoga breath teacher and all round educator of all things natural.