Relax and Restore with the Many Benefits of Breathwork
Mental Equilibrium
Stress and Anxiety Reduction
Breathing with consciousness and intention helps to calm the sympathetic nervous system, our classic ‘fight or flight’ response system. When we are in fight or flight mode (i.e., most of our stress-filled days running from task to task), stress hormones are being released that cause anxiety, rapid heart rate, increased blood pressure, inflammation, and acidity in the body. When this type of state is repeatedly experienced, it can lead to long-term physical and mental health deterioration. Conscious breathing slows the heart rate and helps to gently induce a state of calm.
Parasympathetic Nervous System
Conscious breathing helps to shift us out of Fight or Flight and into a more relaxed state that engages the parasympathetic nervous system. This is a part of the autonomic nervous system that is often referred to as our “rest and digest” state. In this relaxed mode, the heart rate decreases, and intestinal and gland activity is increased. This is a state in which tension and stress can be relieved safely, naturally, and quickly!
Healthy Sleep Cycle
Consistent practice of deep breathing helps improve sleep patterns by relaxing the body and calming the mind. A practice of belly breathing before bed is a great preparation for a good nights sleep. When the sympathetic nervous system has been calmed, stress hormones are reduced. The parasympathetic nervous system is engaged and the body is ready for sleep. Giving yourself this time to breath before bed also ensures that you won’t be looking at a screen right before going to bed as well.
Physical Equilibrium
Body pH and the Importance of Alkalinity
Your body (cellular and tissue function) operates optimally at a slightly alkaline pH of 7.4. Deep breathing helps to alkalize the body by promoting full oxygenation and expulsion of carbon dioxide and toxins.
Digestive Health
Conscious deep breathing, as it works to calm the nervous system and reduce the production of stress hormones, has the additional effect of supporting healthy digestion. When we are caught in Fight or Flight mode, the reaction in our bodies tends to reduce the efficiency of the digestive system. This is compounded by the fact that stress in many animals, including humans, drives a desire to increase food intake. So we may find ourselves eating more and digesting less. Lowering stress hormone release by belly breathing also improves digestion, which also helps to alkalize the body. Reducing stress hormones also helps with sleep, which again helps maintain balanced pH in the body.
Reduce Muscle Tension
Breathing meditatively is a great way to detect and release tension held in the muscular system. While breathing meditatively it is possible to perform a ‘body scan’ and feel into those places where you are unconsciously holding. These spots might be familiar to you, such as your shoulders and neck. But you might also find that you hold tension in your face, you hips, your knees. The calming effects of conscious breathing makes it possible to gently relax these locations. Doing this consistently over time reduces the tendency to hold tension in the body.
Circulatory System Support
Studies have shown that deep diaphragmatic breathing (releasing the diaphragm and breathing into the belly) has a strong, and rapid effect on lowering the heart rate and reducing blood pressure. For so many of us, we go through our day in a state of anxiety and near constant tension, driving up blood pressure and hearth rate. This takes a toll on the heart and circulatory system over the long-term. Coupled with poor digestive health and lack or good sleep, this can have serious health consequences. Conscious breathing is the perfect natural medicine.
Reduce Inflammation
Conscious breathing is a natural tonic to inflammatory conditions. Alkalizing the body, engaging the parasympathetic nervous system, improving circulation, and reducing tension all help to reduce inflammation. Inflammation in the body is experienced symptomatically in many ways: arthritis, head aches, high blood pressure, congestion, chronic pain. Inflammation is exacerbated by acidity in the body, by stress, by poor sleep, and poor digestion. As we have learned, conscious breathing helps alleviate many of these conditions.
