Better Health With Deep Breathing
Our body, and especially our brain, can't live without oxygen. As a matter of fact, our brain cells begin to die out barely seconds after loss of oxygen. Oxygen maintains our life-force. For all of us, breathing is natural. We don't pay attention to our breath until someone points it out (like I'm doing now.) That's perhaps the only time we stop and become aware of our breathing.
Most people are as well surprised to find out that they've been breathing the wrong way all their lives, except maybe when they were little babies.
* for usa residents others re-directed
This is the kind of deep breathing we should all be doing. At least, we should take a few minutes twice per day, to breathe correctly. The method we typically breathe, with short shallow breaths, doesn't always let all the stale air out of our lungs.
In the far East, they have a name for this life force. It is called Chi in Chinese, Ki in Japanese, and Prana in Hindi. The late Bruce Lee called it "Breath Power", the ability to control breathing pattern, which improves strength, stamina and sense of well being. Whatever you call it, the fact remains that without it, we will die. And, the more we're able to tap into it, using proper breathing, the better it is for our body and mind.
The following is an easy way to benefit from deep breathing...
Inhaling
1. Standing or sit comfortably, with your back straight yet relaxed.
2. Breathe in through your nose and let your (abdomen) stomach fill in with air first, instead of your lungs.
3. Continue taking air in till your stomach is filled - then let your ribcage expand out and to the sides (this may cause your stomach to go in slightly).
4. Next, expand your chest area and let the air fill it as you continue to breathe in.
Even though the above operation is described as three parts, these should be done in a smooth, continuous flow, as if it is one continuous inhaling. Try to avoid any unsteady movements.
Continue this breathing mentally for a few more seconds till your body is naturally ready to let the air out.
Exhaling
1. First off, allow the chest and ribs to relax so that the air is pushed out naturally by allowing the air flow out smoothly.
2. Next, beginning to push the stomach in slightly, to expel any remaining air from the lungs.
Continue the exhaling mentally for a few seconds before getting ready for another in breathing. At this point, repeat the in breath as described in the "Inhale" section above.
Repeating this entire action at the least five times.
Whenever you find this exercise hard to do, do not force or over-exert yourself. Build upon it bit by bit so that you each complete breath takes longer and longer to execute.
Make certain that the area is well ventilated with fresh air. If you are inside a room, open all the windows to allow for proper air circulation.