 Breathing and the Breath
Most of us probably take breathing for
granted because it occurs unconsciously for us. It is only if or when
we have some sort of difficulty that we become aware of how our
body-life is dependent on this. Humans specifically, can last some time
without food, several days without water and only a few minutes without
oxygen.
As we grow older or if our musculature is locked up, this will diminish
our intake or utilization of oxygen. This in turn will affect our
overall level of energy and vitality. There is a body of evidence that
suggests that the level of planetary oxygen has decreased from what it
was many years ago and the amount of pollution in most cities is
increasing to an alarming level.
There are modalities such as the many martial arts techniques that
teach awareness of the breath and breathing. There are also therapies
such as Rebirthing and the general breath therapies that use the breath
as the general healing conduit.
When we take a closer look at breathing we notice how it will change
accordingly with different emotional states. If for instance we
experience a fright then the breathing will momentarily cease. On the
other hand there is a state of chronic ill health or pain the breathing
will most likely be shallow, with a break between the in and out
breath. If you will carefully observe how someone is breathing you will
gain and idea of their emotional state.
The idea is that any emotional disturbance is locked into the body's
musculature and cellular structure. When this memory is recalled the
emotional state of that 'time' and the breathing state associated with
it will be reflected in the body. The person can use the breath to heal
this 'past' event and so give themselves more energy in the present
moment. The in and out breath are connected in a circular fashion. This
can heighten the emotional state and then even it out to a state of
homeostasis or peaceful balance. This is usually best undertaken with a
facilitator to guide the process.
There is a great need for clearing emotional blockages and regaining a
state of peace and equilibrium for overall good health. Depending on
the state of the person and their willingness to attain greater energy
and vitality there are many things possible here.
There are modalities such as qi gong and tai chi whose aim is to create
a greater flow of 'chi' (life essence) in and through the body. These
work on the more subtle levels of the body energy as well as
strengthening the musculature. Yoga, as I understand it, works in a
similar fashion.
There are the less subtle exercises like jogging, aerobics and the many
sporting options that are available. There is no reason whatsoever for
anyone to say that they do not have an option for increasing their lung
capacity to some extent. This would be the case even if they were in a
wheelchair. The main thing that is necessary is the willingness and
awareness to change what one habitually does.
Relaxation is a great help in expanding lung capacity as well as
helping release the tight muscles of the chest. This will necessitate a
conscious focus on the part of the individual.
When the flow of oxygen is increased in the body much healing and
regeneration can occur. Some of this may be painful or it may just
entail feeling more energy in the body. The greater quantity of
dissolved oxygen in the blood ( to its optimum) will allow more
nutrients to be available for regeneration of all areas of the body.
The food eaten will be more readily assimilated and smaller amounts
will provide greater energy because the 'burning' capacity of the body
will be increased.
About the Author
S.E. Odom is an independent publisher and co-founder of The Samadhi Group, Inc. Stop by TheSamadhiGroup.com today for abundant living tips and resources
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