This edition of the Stevenage Local Business Blog is by one of our Featured listings: Gary Webb...
Breathe for a
Longer healthier Life
We all take breathing for granted; it is obviously something that we
must do to sustain life. It is as natural to us as life and death itself; or is
it?
Take time out
How many of us actually take time out to think about how we breathe
and what correct breathing can actually do for us. Breathing exercises are a
very effective way to encourage correct breathing naturally.
When we breathe correctly the whole diaphragm is fully engaged which
will help us to fully use all our lungs. Learning to breathe correctly is a
must for us all, if we want to be fit and healthy.
Most western people tend to breathe too shallow; this starves the body
of essential oxygen needed for vital cell rejuvenation. Often we only use a
small section of our lungs which over time will gradually deplete our body of
essential energy.
Breathe for life
Correct abdominal breathing will help us in times of anger or in
stressful situations, even when we are struggling to get a good night’s sleep.
Without the body being able to relax fully the central nervous system will
become overloaded and the stress fight flight response will take prominence.
This then encourages the body to release stress hormones, which over time tends
to deplete our central nervous system. Because of this, tension is lodged in
our body, potentially causing long term illness and disease.
Another common problem is that when we are placed in a highly
stressful or fearful environment, we tend to hold our breath and breathe even
shallower than is normal, even for us; causing our bodies to become even more
lethargic. The tension is held most commonly in our stomach, shoulders and
jaws.
Simple breathing exercise
1
When you are next time working at the computer or whilst doing your
daily work, spend a short while, placing your minds attention to your lower
belly area.
Be aware of your breath, but let it happen naturally. Please do not
force it. In the beginning you may find that that your breathing may stop for a
while and that you are breathing very shallow; breathing mainly into the upper
part of your chest. But with some practice your breathing will deepen and your
lower belly will start to engage and expand more. This is an extremely
effective way to breathe.
Simple breathing
exercise 2
5-10 minutes
daily breathing practice
Sitting in an upright chair with your back up straight and chin tucked
in. Holding your head up straight, with your crown pulled upwards. Sitting
forward slightly, placing your legs and feet on the ground shoulder width apart.
Please ensure that your posture is nice and even and that your shoulders are relaxed.
Cup your right palm over your left and place your palms onto your
lower belly area. Ensure that your armpits are open and your arms are held in a
rounded position. If you are a lady place the left palm over the right.
Put your attention onto your lower belly area. Breathe in through your
nose and out through your mouth. Do not hold your breath, just let it happen.
Count one and breathe in, then count one and breathe out.
Continue until you reach the count of ten and return to one again. If
you lose count or focus, please return to one again and continue. You can keep
your eyes open or closed for this exercise. After some practice your whole body
will become much more relaxed and your breathing will deepen into your lower
belly area.
What does
breathing correctly do for me?
·
It gently massages your internal organs – liver, spleen,
kidneys and heart.
·
Fully oxygenates your whole body.
·
Relaxes your body to prevent the stress fight flight
response.
·
Encourages your body internal organ fluids – helping to
prevent disease.
·
Encourages the diaphragm to become fully engaged, which
helps the air in and out of your lungs.
·
Strengthens your chi.
·
Helps oxygen enter all your cells.
·
Helps your body to rest and recover from it’s over
exertions more rapidly.
·
Helps to keep you healthy and disease free.
·
Discourages the stress fight flight response.
The next time that you are sitting at a computer or are placed in a
stressful situation, consider your breathing and what influence it has on the
whole of your body. Correct Tai chi breathing exercises can become part of your
daily life, to fully invigorate your mind and body.
Gary Webb
MChS (Podiatrist)
Until next time, have a very happy Christmas and successful 2012!
Malcolm
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