All About Breating

Breathing is one thing our body does automatically. However, shallow breathing is the habit for many and it’s an unhealthy habit! All systems of the body require oxygen--the more the better.

Are you a shallow breather? Shallow breathing limits the flow of oxygen to the brain cells and to the eyes. The blood requires oxygenation as does the lymph system and vital organs such as the liver and kidneys. Limited intake of air does not allow the body to function at its best.

To check your breathing, place one hand on your chest and one hand on your abdomen. When you inhale, the hand on your stomach should move—not the hand on your chest. Another way to bring the maximum amount of oxygen into your lungs is to hold your hands on your rib cage (one hand on each side above your waist). Take a deep breath allowing your rib cage to expand pushing out your hands.

Breathing through the nose allows for greater expansion of the lungs. Shallower breathing through the mouth can be due to allergies, asthma and other conditions that restrict breathing through the nose. Peppermint oil placed near, or inside of the nostrils, can open up air passages allowing the ability to inhale through the nose. (When ingesting oils, it is best to use a therapeutic grade such as Young Living which is steam distilled and includes no harmful chemicals.)

Use care indoors when using insecticides, carpet cleaners and other chemical based products since the residue remains in the air and consequently is taken into your lungs. Various air purifiers are available and there are many products with natural and less harmful ingredients.

Breathing can be used to treat painful conditions. Hold your hand on the sore spot and breathe into it by pushing the air into the place where the hand is held. Numerous aches and pains can be relieved just by the additional intake of oxygen into the area.

One method of relaxation, often helpful when you can’t sleep, is to observe the breath coming in through the nostrils. Begin this exercise by taking a deep breath in through your nose, then exhale with a sigh. Acknowledge that you are letting go of any problems you are facing to relax even more. Repeat two times. Then feel the intake of air when you inhale and notice the air that is expelled either through your nose or mouth. When your thoughts wander, return your attention to your breathing.

During stressful situations, shallow breathing is common. To relieve stress, concentrate on taking a series of deep breaths. Inhale to the count of five, hold your breath to the count of ten, then exhale to the count of five. Do this often throughout the day for a series of six or eight breaths. This exercise will make you more conscious of your breathing and allow for constant expansion of the abdomen every time you take a breath.

Get in the habit of deep breathing. All of your vital organs, including your eyes and your brain, will thank you!

Marie Wilson, is a Sacramento, Califo
ia based Wellness Coach helping clients with eyesight improvement, posture correction and how the food you eat affects your body. She is the author of Love Your Eyes, How to Improve Your Eyesight Naturally! and Intentions, A Path to Wholeness. For information, call: 916.923-2670 Websites: www.MarieWilson.info www.MillionaireBookstoreonline.com and www.MillionaireAuthorsonline.com
E-mail: MarieWilson@Mindspring.comn