Breath. We can live for weeks without food, days without water, but only minutes without oxygen. As important as breathing is for life itself, it's amazing to me how few people spend time contemplating their breath.
The availability of oxygen through the body is affected by three things: the effective pumping of the heart, the ability of the blood to carry oxygen, and the transfer of oxygen to the blood from the lungs. Deep breathing influences all three in a beneficial way. It increases the amount of oxygen taken in per breath, making more available to the bloodstream. It 'trains' the blood to carry more oxygen, and the blood over time becomes more efficient in this regard. Deep breathing also stimulates the lymph system, which helps eliminate toxins from the body, which is good for the heart, lungs, brain, and everything else. It also slows the heart, allowing it to relax and recuperate.
Most people breathe in a way that is referred to as 'shallow breathing'. This is exemplified by a sucked-in abdomen and noticeable movement in the shoulders and chest while breathing. This is warrior breathing, and can't be avoided during times of extraordinary physical activity. However, this is also unhealthy in other situations, as it leads to tension and stress in muscles throughout the torso and neck.
Proper breathing starts much further down, in the core of the abdomen, between your navel and your genitals. While you can breathe deeply from just about any natural pose, many people prefer sitting cross-legged or in the lotus position while learning. Put your hands on your belly and try breathing in such a way that your chest remains mostly motionless and your belly pushes out and in with each breath. This is diaphragmatic breathing. Now close your eyes and continue to breathe this way for several minutes.
There are other types of intentional breathing as well, such as power breathing and anxiety relief breathing. You can read about these two from the "Breathing Techniques" link below. Many books exist on the subject, each with different exercises and styles for a variety of purposes. However, basic deep breathing will always be the single most important type of intentional breathing.
Proper breathing increases energy while simultaneously relaxing the body, mind, and spirit. Inhale, exhale, repeat.
Resources:
- Deep Breathing: It's Easy When You Don't Try [health.discovery.com]
- Healthy Lymph System, Healthy Body [www.cbass.com]
- Breathing Techniques [www.holisticonline.com]
Other news
- When a bumper sticker isn't enough: It's that time of year ... to brag about our kids [www.msnbc.msn.com]
- Legislated health: New York City passes trans fat ban [www.msnbc.msn.com]
- Well, they got this part right...: Cutting Calories May Aid Immune System [www.webmd.com]
- ... but do they follow their own advice? Naughty and Nice Holiday Foods [www.webmd.com]
From the editor
Because this time of year is so stressful for so many people, I'm devoting this and the next issue to relaxation and stress relief.
How are you doing this year? Are you done preparing for guests or travels, or are you still in a frenzy? Ask yourself right now what you could do to let go of the pressure, to calm your nerves. What's one thing that isn't yet done that you can take care of right now? Maybe you need to start your shopping, maybe you need to just start the list of who needs gifts or cards, maybe you could just step away from your desk and take a walk around the building or your neighborhood. Whatever you need to do, do it.
The holidays can be crazy, and they can also be wonderful. Let's aim for more wonderful and less crazy this year. Enjoy yourself!
Healthy thoughts,
Jeff
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