How Important is it to Breathe Properly?

Disclaimer: I am not a health care professional. Please seek the advice of your doctor before you change your diet, exercise program, or make any other lifestyle changes.

Through deep breathing exercises, strengthening of your heart, and reducing the risk of heart disease are just two benefits. In addition, your nervous system becomes more relaxed, and any physical healing processes are enhanced. The normal aging process slows, and digestion improves.

Obviously, breathing oxygen can assist in a higher quality, more active, and longer life span. It assists in the healing or increased quality of life for those inflicted with diseases of all sort: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Various Heart Diseases, Asthma, and even the common cold or flu. It also assists in ceasing the nasty habit of smoking cigarettes, as in my article, http://mmargie1966.hubpages.com/hub/The-Mental-Way-to-Stop-Smoking.

Healthy or not, A twenty minute session at an Oxygen Bar on a regular basis will prove to be relaxing, refreshing, and a wonderful experience altogether. Not only do Oxygen Bars have oxygen, but the air you breathe can be scented with a relaxing lavender, mint, orange blossom, or any other favorite fragrance. In addition, there are neck, back, and shoulder massages and light head scratching which can prove to be quite relaxing.

Deep breathing and patterns in breathing provide relief for many physical ailments. If you suffer from headaches/migraines, muscle stiffness, chronic pain, fatigue, child labor pains and inadequate sleep, your suffering become less of an issue with consistent breathing exercises.

“Lamaze” is a breathing technique taught to pregnant couples to help with labor pains associated with child birth. This has a dual benefit as the oxygen is calming to the nervous system, but is also provides a means of focus; away from the pain, giving the illusion that the pain subsides much quicker than expected. Lamaze was named after Dr. Ferndand Lamaze, a doctor of obstetrics and gynecology in the 1940’s.

Speaking from experience, the Lamaze Technique was quite helpful for me when I gave birth to two children. Honestly, it did NOT take away the pain, but the intensity seemed to be less, and the required focus helped the time pass by quickly. It was a true distraction from the real pain.

Oxygen is needed in each cell all over the body. It only makes sense that oxygen to the brain could be helpful for headaches and muscular pain. This is why professional trainers and workout videos place emphasis on breathing (and stretching) before and after your workout.

Many cultures throughout history have practiced some sort of Yoga, Meditation, Prayer, or Quiet Time with God. Most of these enlightening practices require deep breathing. In addition to benefits to the physical body, the spiritual body, the mental state, and the emotional psyche all need oxygen as well.

Deep breathing practices can be completely euphoric. Close your eyes, play soft and relaxing music (optional), and attempt to clear that cluttered mind of yours. It is recommended you breathe slowly, approximately five seconds to inhale through your nose, hold for three seconds, then five seconds to exhale through the mouth. Be sure to fill your lungs as much as possible, and exhale all of the air out of your body. After a few breaths, begin relaxing your muscle groups one by one. Beginning with your toes and moving up to the top of your scalp (yes, you can relax the top of your scalp). Don't forget your limbs and digits as they need to relax too.

By repeating this exercise several times (five to ten times as needed) and unlimited times throughout the day will reduce your depression, anxiety, stress, and its possible your panic attacks will subside. God gave us oxygen to use for enhancing our lives, and a brain to figure it out. Why don’t you take advantage of those gifts?

Be healthy and happy, my friends!

As always, I certainly hope this was entertaining and helpful.

"Be kind to one another" ~ Ellen

God Bless You ~ Margaret Sullivan