Breathe....

When busy most people tend to breathe superficially, meaning we only breathe with the top of our chest and the breath only reaches down to the top half of the stomach. Breathing is automatic, controlled by the autonomic nervous system, but it pays to stop and notice how we breathe and experience what happens when we breathe to our full potential.

In 1931, Dr Otto Warburg received the Nobel peace prize for discovering the importance of oxygen in our health. He discovered that the key cause of cancer is that the cells ferment and break down sugars instead of oxygenating. Our cells are made to metabolise with oxygen, just as fire requires air to burn. Fermenting is left to the world of fungi, other micro-organisms and the pile of compost in the backyard! Otherwise we rot too quickly and hence age.

Aerate every corner of the lungs

We automatically breathe between 12 and 15 times per minute when resting. Divers and athletes have optimised their breathing and hence have a larger lung capacity and breathe less times per minute.

Naturally deep breaths inhale oxygen through the nose, airways, down to the small alveoli. The oxygen is then transported to the circulatory system and distributed to the cells and tissue. The waste product carbon dioxide is transported from the cells through the circulatory system and out through the lungs. When we breathe superficially there is a lot of “old air” in the lungs which isn’t being aerated. We get tired and weak. When the lungs don’t ventilate properly there is a buildup of mucus, which irritates the cells by forming a “small local stagnant pond” with excellent conditions for growth of fungi, bacteria and other microorganisms.

It is like an enclosed bedroom – open up a window and let some fresh air in, both before you sleep and when you wake up – if you haven’t been lucky enough to sleep with an open window and fresh air all night.

Stop – breathe, relax and feel yourself

Use your breathing optimally. The difference is in how you breathe. Every cell of the body needs oxygen, which we get through our breath, hence giving us the necessary energy. By practising your breathing you will become more connected to your body which will allow you to focus and maintain focus on the essentials, control stress, get more energy and have a better night’s sleep. There is a reason why it benefits us to stop and breathe deeply – it gives a second of peace and space to reflect.

Breathe using the diaphragm

Use the diaphragm,meaning breathe deeply into your stomach and imagine that the diaphragm works like a cafetiera coffee maker. When we inhale we push the filter, diaphragma down and push the oxygen to the outer alveoli. When we exhale, the filter, diaphragm is pushed back up again and the carbon dioxide is released.

In the box underneath you will find a breathing exercise,which gives energy, stimulates both the lymphatic system as well as the immune system, balances the nervous system and helps cleanse out waste products and toxins.

Try these exercises and find the one which best suits you – there are many other breathing exercises in the field of yoga. If you do 10 repetitions of these exercises three time a day – morning, in midday and before sleep – I can assure you that you will experience more energy and awareness as well as in the long run improving your immune system and organ functions. Breathe deeply and enjoy it.