Breathing is the method the body uses to draw oxygen into the blood.
It also helps to release gaseous waste products of metabolism and to regulate the acid-alkaline balance of the bloodstream.
The mechanical action of breathing uses muscles which facilitate the flow of lymph through the lymphatic system, and activates and massages the organs of digestion and elimination.
The water balance of our bodies is maintained with the help of breathing, as well.
It also helps to release gaseous waste products of metabolism and to regulate the acid-alkaline balance of the bloodstream.
The mechanical action of breathing uses muscles which facilitate the flow of lymph through the lymphatic system, and activates and massages the organs of digestion and elimination.
The water balance of our bodies is maintained with the help of breathing, as well.
Chinese medical, martial art and religious traditions have always emphasized abdominal, or diaphragmatic breathing, as essential to optimum health. Abdominal breathing will help lower blood pressure, activate peristalsis (movement of the digestive and intestinal tract) and increase return of oxygenated blood.
This increases the overall oxygen level of the blood, which benefits numerous processes of the body.
How do you breathe abdominally? Try it lying down on your back first. Close your eyes. Imagine a hand just below your belly button. When inhaling, the lower abdomen should expand and gently lift the hand upward.
The abdominal muscles are relaxed. Upon exhaling, allow lower abdomen to gently sink back down. All of this is done in a gentle, relaxed manner.
Of course, you are not really breathing into the stomach, you are simply allowing the lungs to expand more fully because the diaphragm, the main muscle of respiration, is being asked to make more room available in your body cavity for your lungs to expand.
The abdominal muscles are relaxed. Upon exhaling, allow lower abdomen to gently sink back down. All of this is done in a gentle, relaxed manner.
Of course, you are not really breathing into the stomach, you are simply allowing the lungs to expand more fully because the diaphragm, the main muscle of respiration, is being asked to make more room available in your body cavity for your lungs to expand.
This may be difficult and tiring for some people because they are not used to it. Small muscles in your ribcage that assist in full breathing may not have been used in some time and will fatigue easily.
Don't get discouraged! Abdominal breathing takes time to learn. Many of us have spent years learning to breathe in little, shallow breaths that do not fully nourish our bodies and leave us out of balance. It is an exercise and, with all exercises, one should start slowly.
Don't get discouraged! Abdominal breathing takes time to learn. Many of us have spent years learning to breathe in little, shallow breaths that do not fully nourish our bodies and leave us out of balance. It is an exercise and, with all exercises, one should start slowly.
I recommend that you take two minutes a day to start. Just TWO MINUTES. Follow the instructions above and set a daily goal of deep breathing for two minutes. You can do more if you like. It is more important to do a little everyday, rather than a large amount one or two days a week.
Try it before you get out of bed, sitting at work, during a walk, during a quiet meditation, gardening, driving or any stressful situation. The immediate effects will be relaxation, calm and a sense of well-being. The more long-lasting effects take an accumulation of practice.
The idea is to make it part of your daily regimen and train your body to breathe more abdominally all the time. This takes practice and commitment.
Try it before you get out of bed, sitting at work, during a walk, during a quiet meditation, gardening, driving or any stressful situation. The immediate effects will be relaxation, calm and a sense of well-being. The more long-lasting effects take an accumulation of practice.
The idea is to make it part of your daily regimen and train your body to breathe more abdominally all the time. This takes practice and commitment.
Maybe the most important benefit you can achieve is simply an awareness of your breathing. "How am I breathing right now? Do I feel tired? What is my stress level right now? Is my breath stuck in my chest?" After abdominal breathing, ask yourself, "How do I feel now? What are some of the benefits this seems to be giving me?" Make mental or written notes.
Finally, enjoy yourself. It is an investment in you. Happy Breathing!
Tony Burris, L.Ac.
Tony Burris, L.Ac. helps frustrated and injured athletes and chronic pain sufferers find a unique therapy system that gives them long-lasting or even permanent pain relief. You know how pain sufferers are always looking for that magic treatment method? Tony offers pain sufferers a safe and effective method to get them out of the pain cycle and back into the wonderful game of life!
Visit Tony at https://www.facebook.com/EagleAcupuncture to learn more about Tony and the health traditions he teaches.
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