Breathing ...for energy

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The Art of Breathing -- Your First Key to Unlimited Energy

By Pradeep Aggarwal

Source: American Chronicle

Yes, breathing is an art, and it is a very scientific art. The act of breathing

is much more than inhaling and exhaling air. It triggers off a whole chain of

physio-biological reactions, spanning each of the billions of cells that make up

our bodies. Extra oxygen in the blood stream stimulates the excretory system,

thereby clearing the body of harmful toxins.

Extra oxygen in the brain provides additional energy and vitality. Deep

meditative breathing is a kind of reminder to the body that all is fine and in

control.

Breathing has always been a part of our wellness arsenal, but somehow as one

grows older, breathing becomes less and less scientific. It becomes shallow, and

we begin to breathe in the chest, rather than the stomach.

So, what is the correct way of breathing?

Have you ever seen a baby breathe? In and out, deep and even, slow, easy and

calm. If you look closely, you will see that it is not the chest that is rising

and falling, rather it is the stomach. To put it more precisely, it is the

diaphragm, the muscle between the chest and the abdominal cavity, which moves.

Now, compare this with your own style of breathing. Chances are that you will

find that it differs. If you are like most people, your upper chest expands as

you inhale and contracts as you exhale. Over the years, you have learned to hold

your stomach in.

The trouble is that this has become something normal in most people’s

lives. Over the years, life in a crowded city, with chronic pollution problems

and a lack of fresh air can result in the gradual shift from abdominal breathing

(also called Belly Breathing) to chest breathing.

This shift in breathing pattern, however, is not a natural feature of growing

older. Many experts are of the opinion that this is simply a bad habit. They

also believe that by breaking the habit, and returning to a style of breathing

like that of an infant, we can help rid ourselves of chronic complaints

headaches and fatigue. Moreover, by adopting a proper breathing technique, we

may be able to ward off stress, lower our blood pressure, and strengthen our

hearts and much more.

" The way we breathe can have a profound effect on the way we feel, " says

psychologist Dr. Phil Nuernberger, author of ‘Freedom From Stress.’

" Many stress related ailments, whether physical, mental or emotional, may be

caused by improper breathing, and fortunately, they can be easily reversed by

adopting scientific breathing mechanisms. "

Apart from the health benefits, deep breathing also results in a much better

feeling of well-being. It encourages creativity, stimulates memory, and calms

emotional extremities.

Practicing Belly Breathing

Find a comfortable place to sit down. Make sure you are wearing thin and

comfortable clothing. Now, place your right arm on your stomach, and breathe in

the following manner.

1. Breathe in through the nose, counting two.

2. Hold, counting up to four.

3. Breathe out through the mouth, counting three.

As you breathe in, feel your stomach fill up with air and expand outwards, and

as you breathe out, feel your stomach deflate.

Do this ten times, three times a day for the next one week and see how your

health improves.

Happy Breathing for a Healthy LIFE.