Basic but Important Breathing

Poor breathing or breathing from the chest rather than the abdomen can contribute to many diseases and disorders in the mind and body. Science has shown that many people, especially during the winter months do not breath deeply or correctly.

When we breathe in, oxygen passes through the lungs and is absorbed into the bloodstream, or at least this is the perfect way our bodies are designed to function. We then breathe carbon dioxide back into the air, but if our breathing is too shallow, the body does not eliminate enough carbon dioxide through the mucous membranes of the lungs. This then disrupts cellular respiration and cell metabolism and can be the cause of a decline in mental capacity because the brain does not get enough oxygen.

The primary causes of faulty breathing are anxiety or stress, poor posture can also be a contributing factor. Wearing clothing that is too tight can also be a cause of faulty breathing as well as some surgically procedures. All of these can leed to simple bad habits of shallow or inadequate breathing. Without proper breathing, our lymphatic system becomes sluggish and does not "fire" properly.

With breath therapy, you can relearn proper breathing techniques, wich will help to alleviate tension, increase metabolic rate, as well as relieve many asthma symptoms and insomnia complaints. Proper breathing will make a crucial contribution to the health of your immune system.

The goal of breath therapy is to promote a proper breathing form that is rhythmic and engages the abdominal muscles and the diaphragm. Shallow chest breating, in which only the rib cage rises and falls, should be reduced as much as possible. In addition, intentional yawning and stretching from the waist up gradually increase lung volume.

Many people can improve their breathing patterns on their own, but some may require assistance from a professional. A therapist who specializes in breath work stimulates the breathing process via the patient's conscious awareness. This targeted training concentrates on breathing depth and rhythm, and promotes the optimum distribution of abdominal and chest breathing with a focus on proper posture.

Laughter is a good exercise for the breathing muscles. When you laugh, the upward and downward movement of your diaphragm is particularly intense and massages your internal organs. It has been said that "laughter is the best medicine" and it might just be that this type of breathing exercise helps the lymphatics to drain more toxins easier.