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Breathe deep for Better Health posted on Monday, 12 May 2008

The way you breathe can affect your health. Humans take about 28,000 breaths a day, but they are often done incorrectly.When we breathe too shallowly we only allow the air to reach the upper portion of our lungs, triggering stress receptors. The best method of breathing is called “whole lung breathing.”

Whole lung breathing reaches the lower lobes and triggers calming receptors. In addition, it stimulates the lymphatic system, allowing for waste products to be carried from the body. Breathing into the lower lobes also allows the rib cage to be elastic and open.

Here is a quick and easy “whole lung breathing” exercise from www.healthadel.com

“Sit in a chair, with your back straight but not rigid, using the chair back for support if necessary. Relax your shoulders and place your palms on either side of your abdomen. Inhale slowly through your nose, drawing your breath first into your abdomen to fill and expand it and then up through your middle and finally to expand your chest. When exhaling, contract your abdomen first and then your middle and chest. Repeat 2-3 times.

This is a powerful exercise and should be done in moderation at first. Done regularly over time it can enhance your vitality and help to reduce your stress levels for good.”

Posted by John Lincoln