Ha, The Breath of Life

by Makana Rissser Chai

Modern science has proven that breath control can lower blood pressure, end heart arrhythmias, improve long-standing patterns of poor digestion, increase blood circulation throughout the body, decrease anxiety, and improve sleep and energy cycles. (Weil)

The ancient Hawaiians knew that breath was the key to good health. The Hawaiian word for breath is ha, but ha has many other meanings. It means exhale. And since the old Hawaiians were deeply aware that without breath there is no life, ha also means life. (Pukui & Elbert) Because ha was so important, breathing was revered and often done with conscious intention.

Breath is sacred in part because it carries the words of the pule (prayer). (Pukui, Haertig & Lee) In ancient times, long prayers were chanted on a single breath.

The kahuna la’au lapa’au (medical doctors) created herbal remedies and then ha –exhaled – on them to impart mana (spiritual power). (Pukui, Haertig & Lee) In other ceremonies, kahuna held their breath for two hours. (Kepelino)

A kupuna (elder teacher) about to die would pass his last bit of wisdom and mana on to his chosen successor by expelling his breath ha into the other’s mouth. (Pukui, Haertig & Lee)

In Hawai’i still today, breath is considered sacred. As my mother-in-law Tutu Elizabeth Pa Chai says, “Breath is important because when God created man He – ha – breathed him into life.”

Breath was sacred, but the Hawaiians of old also had fun with it. Children played a game to see who could exhale the longest. (Handy & Pukui) During the Makahiki festival, warriors held breath-holding contests. (Pogue)

Playing with the Breath

To release stress, you too can play with your breath. Most people, when told to focus on breathing, try to take a deep inhale, straining to get more air in. The way to truly get a deep breath is to first let the old air out.

Right now, exhale as long as you can. Keep exhaling, through your relaxed mouth, making a slight “ha” sound. Squeeze your belly a little at the end to get out all the air. Then just allow yourself to inhale. Don’t “try” to take in a lot of air. Your lungs are programmed to take in as much air as they can! It’s the exhale – the ha – you need to focus on consciously.

Continue two more times, exhaling as long as you can, and then allowing good, fresh air to fill your lungs. Notice feeling more relaxed after just three breaths.

Now that you’re warmed up, you can practice breath holding. Exhale for 5 counts, hold for 5 counts, inhale for 5 counts, hold for 5, and repeat. Play with increasing or decreasing the length of time you exhale, inhale and hold.

Notice when you hold your breath you might feel an irresistible urge to smile. Don’t resist – smile! Feel how good it feels.

You can play with your breath whenever you think of it. Good times to practice are when you are waiting:

• at the computer
• for the microwave
• in traffic jams
• at stop signals
• for commercials
• in line
• on hold

The best time to practice exhaling is when you are in a stressful situation. If you’re having a tense discussion with a colleague or loved one, start paying attention to your breath while you listen. Don’t think about what you’re going to say next – just listen and breathe. You might be surprised at what happens next.

Keep playing with your breath ... for the rest of your life!

Practice breathing right now with Makana.

Practice breathing in a program by Makana.

Practice breath control with a CD from Dr. Andrew Weil.

Learn more about ha in Nana I Ke Kumu: Look to the Source Vol. 1

Sources:

Andrew Weil, M.D. for physical effects of breath control

Mary Kawena Pukui & Samuel H. Elbert, Hawaiian Dictionary

Mary Kawena Pukui, E. W. Haertig, M.D., Catherine A. Lee. Nana I Ke Kumu: Look to the Source Vol. 1

E. Craighill Handy and Mary Kawena Pukui, The Polynesian Family System in Ka’u, Hawai’i, Charles E. Tuttle, 1972 (first edition 1958)

Pogue, Rev. J.F. Moolelo of Ancient Hawaii (trans. Charles Kenn) Topgallant Publishing, Honolulu, 1978 (written 1858)

Kepelino, “Hawaiian Collection” from Hooiliili Havaii, Pepa I, 1858, translated and annotated by Bacil F. Kirtley and Esther T. Mookini, in The Hawaiian Journal of History, Vol. 11, 1977, pp. 39 – 68