Are you breathing deeply enough? Do you even think about
your breathing? Can you take a slow controlled breath in
for 10 seconds and then a slow and controlled breath out
for 10? Breathing is so natural to all of us but often
little thought is taken over how we breath and the huge
impact it can have on our lives if we breath incorrectly,
or too shallow. Many of us breath too shallow sucking in
our bellies and raising our shoulders. The fact is that the
deeper you breath the better your general well being and
the more relaxed you are able to become.
The breathing process has a large impact on our internal
organs and the diaphram plays a central part in this. The
diaphram is dome shaped and acts as a natural barrier
between our heart and lungs and our other internal organs.
The upper part of the diaphram actually supports the heart
and the lower part attaches around the lower ribs and lower
lumbar vertabrae. As we inhale the diaphram moves down
allowing more air to be take into the lungs as the chest
cavity increases, as we exhale the diaphram raises and the
chest cavity is reduced. So the deeper we breath in the
more oxygen can be taken into the lungs and conversely the
more carbon dioxide can then be expelled.
Deep breathing not only allows us to take in more oxygen
and expel more carbon dioxide it also has a huge impact on
other areas of our health. As a deep breath is taken in the
bottom of the diaphram actually massages the liver, stomach
and other organs as well as massaging the heart on its
return. Shallow breathing does not allow for much of this
massaging. Also, as we deep breath the belly, lower back
and lower rib cage expand. This process of up and down, in
and out allows for a natural detox of our body through the
promotion of blood flow, peristalsis and lymphatic pumping.
Our lymphatic system is vital for removing toxins from our
body and plays a key role in our immune system. Other than
massage and muscle contraction the lymphatic system has no
other means of inducing movement.
Deep breathing is also a huge relaxation instigator. I am
constantly telling my clients to control their breathing
during exercise, most people take more breath than is
necessary. Breathing too shallow and rapidly expels carbon
dioxide too quickly and isn't very good for your health.
Deep breathing slows things down which in turn signals our
parasympathetic nervous system and promotes a relaxation
response. This is a great stress reliever and also helps to
harmonise our system and promote overall long lasting
health.
My advice is to start taking some time to understand your
natural breathing patterns. Try to slow things down. Take
long controlled breaths in and slow controlled breaths out.
Think about drawing your belly button into your spine as
you breath out and letting your lower stomach relax as you
breath in. Deep breathing is vital for all aspects of good
health, focus, concentrate and control your breathing and
you will live a much healthier and stress free life.
----------------------------------------------------
Greg is a health and fitness professional based in
Hampstead, North London. He achieves fantastic results for
his clients by using his indepth knowledge and the most up
to date techniques.
http://www.gbpersonaltraining.com
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