I think it is about breathing because it is probably one of the unconscious processes of the body that one can also control consciously with ease. And probably focusing on this has something to do with connecting the two minds.
Probably one can do meditation by using Biofeedback (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biofeedback -> http://www.ccjm.org/content/75/Suppl_2/S35.full.pdf) but this technique of focusing on physiological functions is new. Probably mediation was practiced for at least 2000 years (Buddha teaching are dated somewhere around 500BC) or more (indian scriptures called “tantras” mentioned meditation techniques 5000 years ago). So in that time the most viable way to control consciously an automatic body function was to do it with breathing.
I never practiced constantly meditation, but I has tried once different forms. So just take this as a simple deduction based on my own observations and few readings on the subject :)
Probably one can do meditation by using Biofeedback (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biofeedback -> http://www.ccjm.org/content/75/Suppl_2/S35.full.pdf) but this technique of focusing on physiological functions is new. Probably mediation was practiced for at least 2000 years (Buddha teaching are dated somewhere around 500BC) or more (indian scriptures called “tantras” mentioned meditation techniques 5000 years ago). So in that time the most viable way to control consciously an automatic body function was to do it with breathing.
I never practiced constantly meditation, but I has tried once different forms. So just take this as a simple deduction based on my own observations and few readings on the subject :)