By Martine Deiana
Listen the podcast: 4 mn 21
Breathing Well is Vital
Breathing is essential to our existence. It happens involuntarily without us thinking about it and without even being truly aware of it. Although breathing is an automatic function, we do not always do it as we should. Through its mastery, deep breathing allows us to reconnect with ourselves and maintain our health. Life is impermanence. The body is in perpetual search for physical and emotional stability.
Poorly managed breathing can lead to numerous ailments, while well-controlled breathing can preserve our health, leading to balance, rejuvenation, relief, and sometimes even healing.
There are three types of breathing:
- Clavicular Breathing: In case of danger or great stress, breathing becomes rapid to provide a surplus of energy to react to a threat. This requires extra effort from the body to inhale all the oxygen it needs.
- Thoracic Breathing: This is the most used for various daily activities. It occurs at the chest level. The lungs only fill halfway.
- Abdominal Breathing: This is the most calming and energizing. It helps us relax and allows the lungs to receive the full amount of air.
Consequences of Poor Breathing:
Physiologically and psychologically, the relationship between breathing and emotional state is certain. The worse we breathe, the higher the tension in the pulmonary arteries, the heart races, and the brain lacks oxygen. This can lead to tetany or spasmophilia attacks.
Benefits of Deep Breathing:
Practicing conscious, slow, and deep breathing contributes to:
- Increasing oxygen in the blood
- Enhancing vitality
- Reducing stress and anxiety
- Aiding in emotional management
- Strengthening concentration
- Improving sleep
