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It's all about breathing
To learn to breathe is learn to live. Breathing is vital and yet most of us take it for granted and often forget we are even doing it. Breathing can be both a conscious and subconscious function. In other words, we can control our breathing or our mind and body will automatically control our breathing for us. As a result, we sometimes forget how much breathing can affect our health and wellbeing.
Breathing supplies our body and brain with oxygen which is essential for us to live. Oxygen purifies our blood stream and without it we would die within a few minutes. Our entire body including internal organs, nerves, glands, skin and especially the brain all require ample amount of oxygen in order to function properly. Effects from not getting enough oxygen can range from irritability, nervousness, negative thoughts, sluggishness, depression, lower immune system to a heart attack. Some reports show lack of oxygen can be a major cause of heart disease, stroke and cancer. Oxygen is extremely critical to our wellbeing and increasing the supply can have amazing positive effects.
While breathing should be natural to the physical, emotional, and mental demands of the moment, it should also be able to fluctuate in both depth and speed depending upon the situation. Unfortunately, most people tend to breathe in a very shallow manner and rarely take a good deep, cleansing breath. We are often unaware that our breathing is shallow and that we may not be getting the proper amount of oxygen that both our body and brain needs. Have you ever yawned and noticed that you open your mouth but no air is going in or out? Sighing or yawning is often a sign that the body/mind is trying to adjust and regulate the amount of oxygen it's taking in.
Many methodologies such as yoga place much emphasis on the learning of specific breathing techniques appropriate to both sitting and standing forms of practice. These breathing techniques often require the person to hold their breath or to take many quick short breathes. We believe that those breathing techniques are meant for someone who is well trained, with experience and can cause harm if done incorrectly by someone who is inexperienced. It's very important to always consult your physician before stating any physical exercises or breathing techniques.
We believe that the rejuvenation process can start with becoming mindful of our breathing. Proper abdominal/diaphragmatic breathing is simple, straightforward and can be emotionally and physically rejuvenating. It can help stabilize the nervous system, improve internal body organs, improve digestion, reduce stress, lower blood pressure, increase energy, improve sleep, release carbon dioxide and other toxins, improve posture, strengthen muscles, increase the blood flow throughout the body and brain and massage the heart.
Applying these simple breathing techniques can help your breathing become stronger, deeper, fuller and smoother. As a result of increasing your natural oxygen intake, you can become healthier. Since oxygen provides energy, you can also become more energetic. Practicing breathing techniques can have a positive affect many areas of your life.
| Simple breakdown of breathing categories, types and speeds. |
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Two breathing categories: |
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Abdominal Breathing |
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Full Breathing - abdominal, diaphragm, chest, shoulders breathing. |
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Two breathing types: |
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Normal Breathing - inhale and exhale |
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Deep Elongated Breathing - inhale and exhale |
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Three breathing speeds: |
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Normal Breathing Speed |
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Slow, Elongated Breathing Speed |
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Very Slow, Elongated Breathing Speed |
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Both Abdominal Breathing and Full Breathing are natural and promote slow, deep relaxed breathing whenever possible. The only difference is that you're taking a much deeper, cleansing breath by expanding and contracting your abdominal, diaphragm, ribs. chest and shoulders with Full Breathing. You can also take a deep breath with Abdominal Breathing but only expanding and contracting your abdominal area.
Normal Breathing should be natural to the physical, emotional, and mental demands of the moment and should be able to fluctuate in both depth and speed depending upon the situation. Use Slow, Elongated Breathing and Very Slow, Elongated deep (controlled) Breathing when possible or it’s appropriate.
Normal Breathing Speed should be able to fluctuate in both depth and speed depending upon the situation. Try to become accustom to taking deep, full breaths at a speed that feels comfortable to you when breathing normally. Take slow continuous deep breath as though you're breathing in through a narrow, thin straw.
Exhale through your mouth either slowly, humming, singing, vocal toning or making a whoosh sound.
How to start breathing technique
Start with normal abdominal breathing and through practice start to slow down and elongated your abdominal breathing at few time. It will probably take some time to get accustomed to this way of breathing. Practicing breath-work should always be a comfortable and pleasant experience. Stop immediately if you can’t catch your breath, shortness of breath or you become dizzy or faint. Again, please always consult your physician.
It is said that most people breathe at the throat; but a learned person breathes from the heels and toes. First learn to attune the breath to make it smooth. After your breathing becomes smooth, attune the breath until it becomes long, deep, and calm. This kind of breathing supplies a large amount of oxygen to the body from the air. Our blood moves faster through the body with deep, long breaths.
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