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Okay, so we've established how breathing is an influential factor when meditating. And though there's many different breathing techniques and forms (which we'll get into further into the series); I want to get into a fundamental form of breathing called 'deep breathing'. First, I want to define exactly what deep breathing is exactly. Deep Breathing, also known as 'diaphragmatic' breathing, is allowing air to fill up your lungs by contracting your diaphragm in and out. You can start deep breathing with inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth. The benefits of deep breathing have been stated to have a positive impact on your physical, mental and spiritual health. So lets expound on these three...
PHYSICAL HEALTH
When it comes to your physical health, deep breathing helps with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and blood pressure. According to Everyday Health 60 to 80 percent of doctor visits are related to stress related illnesses. Dr. Philip Barr is quoted saying, “Basically, our nervous system flows to every tissue in the body. If the stress side of our nervous system is overactive, it literally affects every tissue in our body; any kind of disorder that is already going on in that organ system can be made worse by stress,”
“Basically, our nervous system flows to every tissue in the body. If the stress side of our nervous system is overactive, it literally affects every tissue in our body; any kind of disorder that is already going on in that organ system can be made worse by stress,”
In the article they further explain how the sympathetic nervous system is stimulated when you're under stress. This stress can cause your breathing to become faster and shorter; which leads to high blood pressure, anxiety and tension within the body. But deep breathing can counteract the sympathetic nervous system by slowing everything down. It's been tested that you can reduce your blood pressure by 30 points using deep breathing. It also helps with hyperventilation, lung function and an overall better quality of life.
MENTAL HEALTH
When it comes to your mental health deep breathing can reduce tension and depression; it can also relieve anxiety and stress. 'Deep Breathing' or "diaphragmatic breathing" can help to interrupt negative thoughts that you're having that can cause negative emotions; and ultimately create a negative head space. We all know what a negative head space can do when it comes to our mental health. That negative head space can cause depression which can have you feeling powerless and out of control. When you breath deeply you slow down the release of your stress hormone called Cortisone. To be stressed out only magnifies anxiety and depression and when you learn how to deep breath, it allows you to have better control. According to Dr. Chris Streeter's study; people who suffered from a depressive disorder saw a "massive reduction of symptoms" after a 12 week period of deep breathing and yoga.
According to Dr. Chris Streeter's study; people who suffered from a depressive disorder saw a "massive reduction of symptoms" after a 12 week period of deep breathing and yoga.
SPIRITUAL HEALTH
Spiritual benefits from practicing deep breathing starts with making you more in touched or "tapped in" with your inner self. Although, unlike the mental and physical benefits that can be backed by science; the spiritual is more based on your experience. However, I believe that deep breathing is probably the most instrumental in your spirituality. Deep breathing helps for you to focus and concentrate on your subconscious mind. It's said that most happy and calm people have a slow and deep breathing rhythm if you watch them closely.
It's said that most happy and calm people have a slow and deep breathing rhythm if you watch them closely.