Breathing – Simple Breathing Exercises to Better Your Health
Posted by in Health on January 6, 2012
We breathe every moment of every day. Breathing is our most constant and necessary activity, yet we often don’t think about it. Many of us breathe inefficiently; we breathe through our mouths, taking shallow breaths and using our chests rather than our diaphragms.
However, respiration is one of the most important functions of the body; Oxygen plays a key role in our metabolism and energy levels. Thus, the rhythm and rate the breath not only reflects one’s physical condition but also helps create one’s physical condition. Breathing is under both voluntary and autonomic control – meaning that by voluntarily slowing down our breathing we can have a positive effect on the autonomic system of the body – and improve all other body systems controlled by the autonomic system.
If you train yourself to improve your breathing, you can become aware of the natural medical benefits of slow, deep breathing, which has been demonstrated to lower stress, improve circulation, and benefit your cardiovascular system.
Harvard-trained MD Dr. Andrew Weil says “If I had to limit my advice on healthier living to just one tip, it would be simply to learn how to breathe correctly.” Read the rest of this entry »