From the perspective of health and spirituality proper deep breathing is quite significant. This kind of breathing boosts life and vigor and relaxes the taut nerves. Most of us fail to do it in proper way and practice shallow breathing in everyday life. It is important to be acquainted how breathing works in our body and the entire body mechanism, its effects, before putting deep breathing exercises into practice.
Deep breathing process
The respiratory system constitutes of the diaphragm, wind pipe and lungs and the rib cage surrounds the system structure. Upon inhalation the diaphragm travels down while on exhalation it progresses upwards.
When we inhale the lungs expand to the maximum capacity as more oxygen is inhaled and likewise the diaphragm reaches the lower abdomen. It should be noted that the lungs work better when inhaled deeply as they are larger at the end and narrower at the top. Deep breathing works positively on health, with the inhalation and exhalation process the movement of the diaphragm, lower back, rib cage and stomach takes place which in turn massages the muscles of the heart. It helps in pumping enough blood to the entire system and detoxifies vital organs.
How deep breathing brings in relaxation
Generally most of us breathe in improper way and get used to shallow breathing. This is harmful for the health as the carbon dioxide is ejected very faster. While the slower deeper relaxed breathing works in smooth and flowing manner and works superbly over the respiratory as well as the nervous system which is dependable for the relaxation (also known as parasympathetic) bringing calm and tranquility in life. It is also known as the relaxation response.
Under extreme condition of anxiety and nervousness the sympathetic nervous system can be harmed. Most of us don’t know that persistent stress results in depletion of nutrients and brings in mental instability. Here the parasympathetic nervous system comes to rescue and neutralizes this harmful mechanism. By breathing the system can be brought under control in faster manner. Some of the most popular healthy breathing practices are tai chi, qi gong and yoga.
But care should be taken by performing deep breathing exercises as doing deep breathing exercises in incorrect manner can have adverse effects on our body.
Most of us fail to follow our commitment towards exercising and healthy routine. But one thing can be put into practice is breathing deeply and repeatedly. Make it a point to incorporate deep breaths in regular routine. Even it has been proved scientifically that yoga deep breathing is capable in managing depression, stress, nervousness and other trauma. It has been noted when these breathing techniques when incorporated with the traditional medical treatment works effectively.
It also has been noted that the carbon dioxide levels are more in most of the patient and this proves that the patient does not have healthy breathing pattern. While inhaling they do not take enough oxygen and expel carbon dioxide very quickly. This in turn leads to mental fog, exhaustion and diminished tissue function. Most of us think that by following proper diet and regular exercise can lead to healthy life. But among these we forget to preach and propagate one important essence over which our life rests and that is deep and proper breathing. It also has been noted that aerobic breathing is some way good as it brings in more oxygen, works over the cardiovascular system and expels carbon dioxide to a certain extent.
While constricted breathing or shallow breathing which involves only usage of chest area and not much oxygen reaches the lower lungs and the abdomen area. Hence over the period of time reduces the oxygen flow.
Lymphatic system
Breathing is directly responsible for pumping the lymphatic system. One of the vital components that the cells need to last and go on is oxygen. They flourish and rely over the intricate trade that takes place between the circulatory and lymphatic system. These two systems are interdependent on each other for circulating nutrients, oxygen and expelling harmful toxins.
The lymphatic systems are responsible for flushing out contaminant from the body. The vessels works in complicated structure and travel throughout the body, the cells whirl in the lymphatic fluid which shoves the unwanted detritus in the form of dead cells, unwanted proteins and other pollutants.
When blood is pumped, it results in the transportation of vital nutrients and oxygen. The cells now take up what they require and emit the unwanted stuff which gets flushed out by the lymphatic fluid. Now why breathing is important? The reason is the circulatory system constitutes of inbuilt pumping system while the lymphatic system relies exclusively on breathing combined with the other bodily movement. In case the movement of lymphatic system is slothful then it means that the body is not getting detoxified in proper manner. With restriction in movement and improper breathing the lymph fluid fails to gush accurately. And in due course of time health related problems can mount. But one need not worry as one can purify and cleanse the system by incorporating deep breathing in everyday life. This results dual action with the purification of the system stress is also managed.
Hence it is important to learn how to breathe appropriately and imbibe them on regular basis. In our fast paced life most of us have forgotten to breathe fully as everything is occupied in their mind except for breathing. But the best thing is it is the simplest form of exercise as one can practice it while attending day to day chores, walking, sitting, doing the dishes, laundry etc. there are several sites which teach how to breathe in proper way or else one can enroll to near by yoga studio and can take to breathing awareness classes.
Another popular and simplified breathing technique which is gaining momentum is the breath walk. Here the breathing is combined with the walk in rhythmic pattern. One can tailor it to meet the individual needs.
Your body is a temple. So learn to respect it and take care of it. We are often caught up meeting needs of family and fail to nurture ourselves. Most of the cultures opine that deep breathing is the divine force that brings us more closer to god. So kick start today and make healthy breathing a part of your lifestyle.