I my self have started doing it on my 45 min. drive in to work and on the way home.
For centuries, the art of breathing has been one of a myriad of tools employed by Yoga masters in order to calm the body and mind, in preparation for meditation, contemplation or simply to remain in control of one's emotions. Long utilized as a spiritual practice, a recent study has now brought the use of breathing as a way to control emotions into the realm of neuroscience. The results are promising and could mean a reduction in the administration of drugs as a form of anxiety, depression and anger management.
The study and its findings
Carried out at the Universite de Louvain by Dr. Pierre Philippot, the research study focused on two groups with the aim of investigating whether breathing can generate and regulate emotions and their intensity.While we are already aware that breathing has a calming effect on us, in situations such as when we are under pressure or in the midst of panic, it isn't clear whether breathing actually generates emotions. This study helped immensely in that regard since it showed that each emotion actually has a specific breathing pattern associated with it.
For example:
Panic - Short, fast, shallow breaths
Anger - Long forced breaths
Calmness - Slow steady breaths
Happiness - Long inhalations, long exhalations
The first group was asked to generate each of the above emotions by modifying their breathing pattern and recalling a memory that helps in eliciting that emotion.
Each participant from group one also filled out a questionnaire, citing breathing patterns alongside each emotion according to their own experience. This questionnaire proved to be eye-opening as the answers garnered were in accordance with each other right across the board, for the most part. That is, each participant used a similar breathing pattern to generate happiness (and this holds true also for the other emotions).
The second group was asked to breathe using the breathing patterns from the first study group. Not long after, they began to experience the specific emotion attached to that particular breathing pattern made clear in the first part of the test.
The results suggest - just as Yoga masters and instructors have known for centuries, breathing really does affect one's emotional state.
What does this mean for you?
Quite simply, it means that there is now another tried and tested method for controlling our emotional state, which previously was believed so difficult. Once this information is passed on to the general public, no longer just in possession of Yoga practitioners, we might see a slight improvement in the general mental health of the population.Sufferers of anxiety, depression, anger etc. will be able to learn how to control their emotions through breathing and this could mean a drop in the dependence upon drugs as a treatment. For many, drugs are not working, and are in fact making things worse.
Granted, just as with anything that requires concentration, such as exercise or meditation, breathing to control one's emotions undoubtedly requires discipline and diligence. Nevertheless, these results offer a much needed alternative to the limited techniques already in use for those in emotional turmoil and could one day be employed by therapists and counselors.
Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/040474_breathing_mental_health_natural_remedies.html#ixzz2eEMZZ5Bj
Take a deep breath because there is something you need to know. Ongoing research has shown that proper breathing can be an intelligent way to respond to chronic fatigue, high blood pressure, stress and other ailments - no health club membership required.
Each one of us takes about 20 000 breaths a day. Still, the influence of breathing on human health goes largely unnoticed. Only a few people realize that shallow breathing is linked to stress, sub-par mental performance, fatigue and increased risk of heart disease. However, breathe correctly and you will be able to release tension and improve your physical and mental wellness.
The importance of deep breathing
Deep breathing raises levels of oxygen in our blood and presents a wide range of benefits for our health. "If I had to limit my advice on healthier living to just one tip, it would be simply to learn how to breathe correctly", says internationally acclaimed alternative health icon Dr. Andrew Weil. Take a look and discover how deep breathing can transform your health:
- Lowers blood pressure
- Relieves emotional issues, including stress and tension
- Improves the quality of sleep
- Raises our energy levels
- Helps break down salt
- Improves circulation
- Helps to promote weight loss
- Improves athletic performance
Pay attention to the way you breathe - it may be one of the most important things you can do for your health. A study led by Arthur Craig, PhD at St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center even suggests that a controlled breathing at a slowed rate can significantly reduce feelings of pain.
Are you a shallow breather? Try this simple exercise
You can reverse your body's natural reaction to stressful situations by practicing deep breathing exercises. Here is a simple, yet effective exercise you can try right away to embrace the wisdom of taking a deep breath:
- Allow yourself to be free of distractions for at least ten minutes
- Inhale for 6 seconds
- Hold your breath for a count of 18
- Exhale for 12 seconds
- Repeat at least 10 times - twice a day
- Watch how you feel
When you breathe slowly and consciously, your body reacts in many positive ways. Without oxygen there is no life. It is a key element of life force and an invaluable aid to peak performance, life extension and perfect health. Are you getting enough of it?
Resources
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100120163704.htm
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16231755
http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/ART00521/three-breathing-exercises.html
http://www.womentowomen.com/fatigueandstress/deepbreathing.aspx
Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/030813_deep_breathing_stress.html#ixzz2eEN5z22b
No comments:
Post a Comment