It is estimated that approximately 1/3 of people don’t breathe well enough to sustain normal health. These people don’t eliminate enough carbon dioxide, don’t give the heart the support it needs and don’t adequately program the autonomic nervous system to operate in the healing parasympathetic mode. This can lead to health problems such as asthma, congestive lung disorders, cardiovascular disorders, mood disorders, immune deficiencies as well as liver and digestive problems and occurs when the body operates in the sympathetic fight or flight mode, often due to stress not balanced by relaxation techniques such as meditation. - Adapted from Meditation as Medicine
We are often so busy rushing around from one commitment to another, we fail to take the time to slow down and deal with, feel and breathe though the multitude of stressors we encounter each day. Society is truly structured this way - go go go or you will fall behind, fall behind the next guy who is actually probably also struggling. But these emotions we fail to deal with, don’t just go away. They build up and manifest in others ways - often through our physical health. But don’t you worry, there’s a pill for that - usually accompanied by a laundry list of harmful side effects.
The good news? There are alternatives. An increasing number of studies are being conducted, proving the power of alternative and #preventativemedicine. Breathing is medicine. Taking the time to slow down and simply breathe is something everyone can do and is the type of yoga that truly has the power to make a difference in our lives. There are also so many ways to do it.
This is one of my favorite ways to slow down and breathe on the mornings I’m short on time, but craving a little mental clarity, movement, stretch and relaxation. Inhaling slowly, counting to 5 on the inhale as I rise and matching that 5 count breath on the exhale, as I bow forward, with a little pause in between the inhale and exhale, for 10-20 full cycles. You can also increase the count of your breath as you start to feel more relaxed. Bonus if you can smile while you do it. ✨☺️🧘♀️#yogaforeveryone #movingmeditation #yogatherapy #slowdown #yogainspiration #hawaii