You probably don’t spend a lot of time thinking about your breathing. But maybe you should start. The way you breathe can actually have a profound impact on your health.
Research reveals that rhythmic breathing facilitates comfort and healing (Holst Nurs Pract 2007;21:85-8).
Perform this type of breathing by inhaling through the nose, thereby expanding the chest. Exhale through the mouth while contracting the abdominal muscles.
Experts suggest counting to five — slowly — on the inhale and repeating the count on the exhale. Sometimes a bit of mental visualization helps. As you inhale, imagine that your abdomen is inflating like a balloon. “With every long, slow exhalation, you should feel more relaxed.”
By being conscious of your breathing, you can understand its effect on overall health such as:
- Sparks stress relief
- Hastens sweet dreams
- Decreases reaction time
- Boosts brain power
- Hastens heart health
- Aids antioxidants
- Acts like a mini-workout
- Lessens swelling
If you experience periodic breathing problems, phone our office to schedule a full physical examination. Instigators include misalignment of spinal bones (vertebrae), a condition known as vertebral subluxation; allergies; respiratory disease; obesity; anxiety and circulation disorders.