Did you know that we take about 17,000 breaths a day, for our body to be saturated with oxygen? Breathing also triggers many physiological mechanisms.
In itself, breathing seems simple, we do not even have to think about doing it. This is keeping us alive, yet it can be hindering us from optimal health. The simple technique is that we draw the air through our nose and mouth, then the process of breathing is mostly a lung job. Together with the diaphragm and the ribs and the intercostal muscle, the whole process is automated and a no-brainer.
Being the connection to life, the breath is also the connection between all of our bodies. Our mental, emotional and physical bodies, all connected through our breathing. The thoughts that you think, and the emotions that you feel will automatically influence and alter your breath. Think about when you are fearful or anxious, the breathing becomes more rapid and even shallow. The calmer the mind, and the more secure our feelings are, the slower and deeper out breath is. This shows us that we can use our breath in the healing of our whole being. We can learn how to consciously use our breath to restore and to balance.
Changing how you breathe can foster the self-healing powers of your body.
By spending time alone with our breathing, we will start to experience ourselves as more than this physical body. It is the simple way to start any meditation practice, to simply be aware of the breath. Once we become a part of our breath, or breathing, the mind loses its grip, and stillness can come forth. This way, even the subconscious mind will start to dissolve its thought patterns. This in itself is a major key to why conscious breathing is healing on all levels. The breathing might open a flow of emotions and feelings, as you are able to really connect with them. Keep breathing and know that it is all good. It is all as it should be, you, your breathing, your healing and your future life.
A regular daily practice of deep breathing techniques and conscious breathing practices will give long standing benefits. Any breathing exercise can also be used as a tool for calming a stressful situation, or for driving away anxiety and uneasiness. When you notice that your breathing is hectic, shallow or stressful, use one of the techniques below. This way, as you practice, you will slowly be able to stay in a place of calm in any situation. Yoga, tai chi and qigong, are all ancient practices that incorporate breath as a central component.
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