You Take My Breath Away

Everyone breathes. True. But do we get the ROI or bang for our buck with every breath we take? Maybe these reminders on the basics and importance of breathing will refresh our breath (and memory)...!

Breathing...

•     is one of the ways to get rid of waste products and toxins from our body.
•     is the only means of supplying our bodies and its various organs with oxygen which is vital for our health.

Why is oxygen so vital?

•     The brain requires more oxygen than any other organ. If it doesn't get enough, the result is mental sluggishness, negative thoughts, depression and, eventually reduced vision and hearing.

•     Oxygen supply in our body reduces as we get older and when we make poor lifestyle choices (unhealthy eating, no exercise, stressful job.....etc., etc.....you get the picture.)
•     It is essential for the proper and efficient functioning of the brain, nerves, glands and other internal organs and when we don't get the proper supply, it causes the degradation of all the vital organs of the body.
•     We can survive without food for weeks and without water for days, but without oxygen - now that's tough!
•     Oxygen purifies the blood stream

One of the major secrets of energy and rejuvenation is a purified blood stream. The quickest and most effective way to purify the blood stream is by taking in extra supplies of oxygen from the air we breathe. Here are a few things about what oxygen does to our body:

•     Most of our energy requirements come, not from food, but from the air we breathe.
•     By purifying the blood stream, every part of the body benefits, as well as the mind.
•     Rejuvenation of the skin will start to occur.
•     Scientists have discovered that the chemical basis of energy production in the body is a chemical called Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP). If something goes wrong with the production of ATP, the result is lowered vitality, disease and premature aging. (uh-oh!)
•     Scientists have also discovered that oxygen is critical for the production of ATP; in fact, it is its most vital component.
•     The work done at Baylor University in the USA has shown that you can reverse Arterial Disease in monkeys by infusing oxygen into the diseased arteries.
•     Oxygen recharges the body's batteries (so to speak!).
•     Meditation and Yoga permits us to tap into this vital nutrient. (Ta-dah!)

So what's the "right" way to breathe?

Here are a few quick tips to ensure you're getting the most out of each breath:

•     Take a long, deep breath starting from your lower belly, then moving into the lungs.
•     Pause at the top of the inhale for just a second before the exhale (helps you become present in the moment)
•     Exhale slowly - starting from the lungs and moving back to the belly.
•     Relax your shoulders if they are tense (if they're touching your ears...it's not a good sign!)

When do you find yourself not breathing well?