The Art of Breathing and Your Health

Breathing is a universal, fundamental action that sustains life. It is a complex process that, despite its simplicity, holds the key to the release of around 70% of your body’s toxins. These toxins, which are primarily carbon dioxide, are a natural byproduct of your body’s metabolic processes. Such is the hidden beauty in the simplicity of our breath – it aids in releasing waste, whilst supplying the body with the oxygen it needs for survival and optimal function.

Unbeknownst to many, the act of breathing, particularly deep and conscious breathing, serves a multitude of purposes beyond mere survival. It supports the functioning of the body’s systems, optimizing their ability to process toxins more efficiently. Additionally, breathing exercises instigate the release of endorphins, commonly known as the body’s natural painkillers, throughout the body. The interaction of endorphins with opiate receptors in the brain serves to reduce our perception of pain, providing us with an intrinsic form of pain management.

Simultaneously, the rhythmic ebb and flow of the diaphragm – the primary muscle involved in breathing – during these exercises helps to remove toxins from the body’s organs. This upward and downward movement promotes improved blood flow, which in turn boosts the production and circulation of oxygen levels in the body. The result? An invigorating rise in energy levels that can revitalize and recharge.

Moreover, the physiological impact of breathing exercises extends far beyond these benefits. They have been shown to reduce stress, blood pressure, and anxiety, while promoting focus, self-awareness, and the release of toxins. In fact, the simple act of consciously breathing can enhance your emotional health by fostering a more confident mindset and encouraging the release of old belief systems and negative thought patterns that may be holding you back.

By taking control of your breathing, you’re essentially gaining control of your autonomic nervous system (ANS). The ANS is responsible for managing crucial bodily functions that operate without your conscious input, such as digestion, respiration, metabolic processes, body temperature regulation, and blood pressure. Interestingly, although most functions of the ANS are involuntary, deep breathing exercises offer a unique means by which you can exert voluntary control over this system. By doing so, you can effectively regulate your heart rate and blood pressure, all while fostering relaxation and reducing cortisol, the primary stress hormone, in your body.

Although breathing is an inherent human function, studies show that many individuals utilise only 33% of their respiratory system’s full capacity. The manner in which you breathe – whether shallow or deep, from your chest or belly – can reveal fascinating insights into your health, behaviour, and even your life history. By consciously working to improve and optimize your breathing, you’re not just enhancing your body’s natural healing processes, but also transforming your mindset and attitude.

The primary muscles responsible for respiration are the diaphragm, intercostals, scalenes, and abdominals. However, some people tend to use their upper chest muscles for breathing, which can create tension and restrict the natural flow of oxygen and blood in the body. Recognizing your breathing patterns and focusing on improving them can help establish a profound relationship with your inner resources, fostering an intrinsic power and wisdom that can guide self-healing.

To deepen our understanding, let’s look at different breathing patterns:

(A)       Shallow Breathers: Typically, shallow breathing occurs during periods of stress, depression, sleep deprivation, or emotional turmoil. This type of rapid, upper chest breathing can contribute to feelings of anxiety and physical discomfort.

(B)       Chest Breathers: These individuals often spend a significant amount of time overthinking, and they may be prone to constant negative thinking or a persistent state of fear. Over-reliance on chest breathing can hinder proper blood circulation, impede emotional processing, and may lead to heightened anxiety, anger, resentment, and low self-esteem.

(C)       Belly Breathers: Belly breathers are considered the healthiest breathers. They experience less stress, hormonal imbalances, and exhibit a strong connection to their body’s natural rhythm. It is this type of breathing that we all should aspire to emulate.

Belly breathing, also known as abdominal or diaphragmatic breathing, boasts an array of benefits. It can help manage symptoms of diverse conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, depression, anxiety, insomnia, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Furthermore, it can lower heart rate and blood pressure, increase tolerance to intense exercise, and enhance the overall quality of life.

In conclusion, breathing exercises hold immense potential for holistic health, providing physiological, psychological, and emotional benefits. By embracing and practicing conscious, deep, and primarily belly breathing, we can tap into a reservoir of health benefits that can transform our overall wellbeing. And all it takes is harnessing the power of the breath, an action so natural and yet profoundly powerful.