The Benefits of Deep Breathing to the Body

There is so much more to breathing then most people realize. There are two methods of breathing, which are breathing from the chest and breathing from the diaphragm. For those who do not know this, the diaphragm is a muscle that is located in the lower abdominal area. We are generally taught to breath from our chests but this results in irregular, shallow breathing that is slow and causes carbon dioxide to leave the lungs too quickly which can create more tension in both the body and the mind. Diaphragm breathing is healthier and more beneficial to the body. In this case breathing is even and consistent and more breaths are taken in and can be breathed deeper into the lungs, which is a good thing.

Deep breathing does not just involve the lungs but also the lower rib-cage, the back and the stomach. Diaphragm breathing creates a response from the nervous system that is called the "relaxation response" for the simple fact that it allows the body to calm and to become relaxed completely.

We were all meant to be diaphragm breathing and if you watch babies and young children closely you will see that they have it right. Youngsters breathe from deep down in their diaphragms and they use their entire lung capacity. When you see a baby's stomach rise when he or she is sleeping it is because the breathing is coming from deep down in the body. This is how nature intended it to be but as we age we tend to become more stressed and this affects how we breathe.

The benefits of deep breathing are many. It is very therapeutic in nature. Deep breathing makes it possible for the supply of oxygen to all organs of the body to be doubled, which makes everything work to its optimum best. This allows for a more peaceful night's sleep. Deep breathing exercises are excellent to do after a stressful day to relax you and prepare you for slumber.

Endorphins are the body's answer to painkillers in their natural form, and deep breathing makes it possible for endorphins to be released from the brain. Endorphins, which are "morphine-like substances", decrease pain in the body by blocking the pain signals that are sent out from the nervous system.  Studies have shown that arthritis sufferers, and particularly those who are over the age of 65 can benefit from deep breathing exercises for many reasons but in particular due to the release of endorphins for pain control.

Deep breathing is a very simple and easy way to improve one's level of life and it does not cost a thing. Deep breathing promotes improved health in a way that shallow breathing does not. More oxygen is able to circulate in the body when you employ deeper breathing that comes from way down in the diaphragm. It is estimated that the average person takes in close to 20,000 breathes on a daily basis and when breathing is not done as nature intended the human body is denied the nutrients it requires. This can lead to tension in muscles because there is a limited supply of oxygen circulating in the bloodstream.

How to Breathe properly?

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In order to breathe properly you need to breathe deeply into your abdomen not just your chest. Even in the old Greek and Roman times the doctors recommended deep breathing, the voluntary holding of air in the lungs, believing that this exercise cleansed the system of impurities and gave strength. This certainly is of great value to you in your work in the world. Breathing exercises should be deep, slow, rhythmic, and through the nose, not through the mouth. The most important parts of deep breathing has to be regulating your breaths three to four seconds in, and three to four seconds out.

1. Inhale through your nose, expanding your belly, then fill your chest. Counting to 5 
2. Hold and Count to 3. Feel all your cells filled with golden, healing, balancing Sun light energy.
3. Exhale fully from slightly parted mouth and Feel all your cells releasing waste and emptying all old energy. Counting to 5. 

Schedule your deep breathing exercise just as you would schedule important business appointments. Set aside a minimum of two 10 minute segments of time everyday although you can begin with two five minutes segments if you prefer.

Honouring yourself enough to schedule time with yourself is the first step in mastering stress. Tend your relationship with yourself and your relationship with life and with others will be enriched and deepened accordingly. Remember to share with your children and all your friends and loved ones so that they too can reap its untold benefits.