Life is full of challenges, but how you respond makes all the difference.
When faced with obstacles, take a moment to pause and breathe deeply. Have you ever noticed how an upset child breathes? Their breaths are short, shallow, and irregular. In contrast, during deep sleep, our breathing is long and deep.
Breathing is an involuntary action, yet it can be consciously controlled. Your emotions can influence your breath, but remember: your breath can also impact your emotions.
When you inhale, your diaphragm—the muscle that separates your chest from your abdomen—drops into the abdominal cavity, creating a vacuum that pulls air into your lungs. As you exhale, the diaphragm rises, pushing air out. Deep, rich breaths come from abdominal breathing, yet many people only breathe shallowly, using the upper lobes of their lungs. This shallow breathing can lead to poor oxygenation, exacerbating anxiety and pain. It’s no wonder that pregnant women are taught breathing exercises to prepare for childbirth!
Are You Breathing Properly?
To check your breathing technique, place a hand on your abdomen. Does it rise as you inhale and fall as you exhale? If so, you’re breathing effectively! If not, it’s time to practice optimizing your breath. Techniques like those used by yogis, singers, and wind instrument players facilitate maximum air exchange.
In my yoga classes, I teach a breath control technique called pranayama. If you want to calm your nerves and enhance your balance, flexibility, and range of motion, join us for our weekly yoga sessions and discover the power of breath control.
The Chiropractic Connection
Chiropractic care also plays a crucial role in breathing. The brain and nerves regulate our respiratory function, particularly through the cervical (neck) nerves that control the diaphragm. By relieving pressure in the chest (thorax), chiropractic adjustments can enhance lung capacity and improve your ability to breathe deeply.
When life gets tough, remember to take a breath and seek alignment in body, mind, and spirit.
Join us at Kintner Chiropractic for a holistic approach to health and well-being. Together, let’s breathe life back into your ambitions and relationships!