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Breathing. Something we do without putting any thought to it. And thank God that we don’t have to, as it is a complex process. However, many of us do not breathe properly, especially in the fast paced world of today. We engage in mostly shallow breathing, and wonder why we are anxious, easily stressed, fall sick easily, hurry around even when there’s no real need to, etc. Some people wonder what’s the big deal, ok maybe with more air, you get more oxygen so it’s better somehow. Yes, more oxygen is good(but too much is not either), but there are more consequences than we think.

Are you a shallow breather?

Try this simple test. Place one hand on your lower abdomen, and watch it as you breathe. If your hand stays where it is, you are a shallow breather. If your abdomen expands and your hand rise and fall with it, as you breathe, you’re fine there

When shallow breathing is done, air is drawn in primarily by raising the shoulders and collarbone. This can cause strain/tension at your neck. Rapid shallow breathers may suffer from hyperventilation(carbon dioxide reduced to below normal level), while ‘normal’ shallow breathers may suffer from hypoventilation(build up of carbon dioxide). Both situations, are not good obviously.

Our natural ’sewer drainage’ system

Another reason to breathe deeply, is to make good use of your lymphatic system. The lymph system removes toxins, dead cells, and anything else that is not of use anymore. The lymph system, is activated with deep breathing. If for any reason, the lymphatic system is not working well, it can be really bad news, possibly life threatening, as the lymphatic system is an essential part of our immune system as well. When we breathe deeply, we help the lymph move around and do its job.

How to breathe deeply

Deep breathing is done using the diaphragm. You do this by expanding your abdomen(Ladies, I know this does not sound or look attractive, but you’re going to feel so much better for it! :p ), thereby causing the diaphragm to lower, and your lungs will naturally elongate, and be able to take in more air. Try this simple breathing exercise:

1. Inhale deeply for 4 counts
2. Exhale for 4 counts

For a start, you can perhaps repeat this 10 or 20 times. After some time, you will find that the more you practice, the more this way of breathing will be natural to you, and you will start to see changes in your health as well as other areas in your life. It will take some practice, and for some people this way of breathing is really not easy, so take it slow, and do it at your own pace.

If you just can’t do the exercise above, try this then: Find a relative or friend who have just had a baby recently, and observe how the little one breathes. After sometime, you will probably start to follow the child’s breathing if you are watching close enough. That is how we should all be breathing.

This article was featured in The Twenty Sixth Edition of the Carnival of Improving Life

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Posted on September 7th, 2008 under Health • Tags: breath, deep breathing, diaphragm, lymphatic system, shallow breathing. • RSS 2.0 feed • Leave a response, or trackback