Are you breathing deeply enough?
Breathing correctly is important for physical, mental and emotional well-being.
Practicing regular deep diaphragmatic or belly breathing has many health benefits, and is one of the hidden keys to optimum wellness. Most of us do not breathe deeply; this fast-paced life has created a nation full of shallow breathers. Deep diaphragmatic breathing is one of the simplest yet most effective ways of improving one’s health with the least amount of cost and time investment.
Here are some of the benefits to regularly practicing this healthy habit:
Improves posture. Good breathing techniques over a period of time will encourage good posture. Bad body posture is the result of incorrect breathing.
Reduces the risk factors for heart disease such as lowering bad cholesterol (LDL), raising good cholesterol (HDL), lowing blood pressure and stabilising blood sugars.
Improves the quality for your blood by removing all of the carbon dioxide and increasing oxygen in the blood.
Cuts chances of cancer by as much as 400%- assists in alkalizing the body.
Reduces negative stress by lowering the stress hormone cortisol.
Releases tension throughout the body, increases flexibility and strength of joints.
Cuts chances of diabetes by strengthening the insulin beta receptor sites.
Assists the body to detoxify and release toxins- through the increase of oxygen circulation throughout the body.
Improves quality of sleep by improving stage 1 and stage 4 sleep cycles.
Lengthens the cell’s life span by cleansing the cells more thoroughly through increased lymphatic flow.
Slows the ageing process by increasing the secretion of human growth hormone (the anti-aging hormone).
Optimizes the immune system by strengthening T-cell formation and improving lymphocyte production.
Helps tissues to regenerate and heal by increasing circulation and removing toxins from the body.
Improves your mood and combats physical pain by elevating the “feel good” hormone, serotonin, and other positive endorphins.
Improves mental focus and concentration by increasing blood flow to the Pre-Frontal Cortex of the brain. Also assist in decision making, productivity and learning due to an increase “clear” mind.
Improves the quality and effectiveness of meditation by changing brain wave activity from the more stressful beta wavelengths to more relaxing and healthier alpha and theta brain wavelengths.
Increases our lung capacity and enhances our respiratory system. Respiratory difficulties such as asthma, bronchitis and even chest pain can subside.
Assists digestion and the assimilation of food to aid in the proper digestion/breakdown of food and relieves constipation.
Increases oxygen circulation around the body- heart, brain, eyes, muscles, organs etc.
Increases circulation of lymphatic fluid which speeds recovery after illnesses.
Anxiety can be reversed by deep-breathing habits.
You may start to see balance in the two sides of the brain.
Excess fluids are eliminated through the breath. Stress on organs is lessened, allowing the body to naturally cleanse.
Wrinkles are lessened from improved circulation. Breathing helps create beautiful skin at any age.
Breathing deeply relaxes the body, reducing feelings of stress. It releases endorphins, natural painkillers that create a natural highs and easy sleep and creates more awareness and self-love leading to a healthier life.
Sexual enjoyment is increased by being more present with your partner and breathing well increases intensity of an orgasm.
Deepens meditation and increases intuition & creativity.
Massages your organs- The movements of the diaphragm during the deep breathing exercise massages the stomach, small intestine, liver and pancreas. The upper movement of the diaphragm also massages the heart. When you inhale air your diaphragm descends and your abdomen will expand. By this action you massage vital organs and improves circulation in them. Controlled breathing also strengthens and tones your abdominal muscles.
Improves the nervous system- The brain, spinal cord and nerves receive increased oxygenation and are more nourished.
Boosts energy levels and improves stamina due to increases oxygen.
How to Breathe properly?
Breathing exercises should be deep, slow, rhythmic, and through the nose, not through the mouth. The most important parts of deep breathing has to be regulating your breaths three to four seconds in, and three to four seconds out.
1. Find a comfy spot to sit, stand or lay down, you can have your eyes opens or closed depending on what you feel is best for you.
2. Place one hand on your chest and the other on your belly, inhale through your nose, expanding your belly fully - count to five (your belly should expand while you inhale with little or no chest movement).
3. Hold and count to three, feel all your cells filled with golden, healing, balancing Sun light energy.
4. Exhale fully from slightly parted mouth making sure you use your belly to push the air out and feel all your cells releasing waste and emptying all old energy. Repeat the cycle 5-10 times or complete approximately 10 minutes of breathing.
The best times to practice this type of deep breathing is first thing in the morning and right before you go to bed. To enhance the benefit of deep breathing, I suggest visualizing your goals or picturing your ideal life while practicing this habit. Try and make this a habit, even if you're sitting at your desk or at the movies, if you notice your breathing.. do some deep belly breaths. Your body will love you for it!
TRY THIS FOR 30 DAYS IN A ROW AND WATCH YOUR HEALTH AND WELL-BEING ENHANCE DRAMATICALLY!!!
Some great additional tips:
Laugh More! When we laugh, the amount of air we take in increases and the muscles in our chest loosen. Not only that by it triggers happy hormones and releases stress from the body
Improve Your Air Quality. Breathing more doesn’t do you any good if the air is toxic. Clean your heating/cooling regularly. If you live in the city, or anywhere get out in nature more. Buy an air purifier or even better air purifying plants! Keep your house clean or dust and mold.
NO smoking. Avoid smoking and being near people that smoke, this not only increases the toxins in your body but also damages your lungs!
Avoid chemicals. Steer clear of chemical air fresheners or household products. These are TOXIC!
P.S. This also helps to unblock your chakras and keep all of your qi (energy) flowing throughout your body! It's a WIN WIN WIN!