PROPER BREATHING
Dharma Singh
Khalsa, M.D., who has provided an excellent account of the breath physiology in
Meditation as Medicine. According to Dr. Khalsa, automatic breathing is often
quite ineffective. Unfortunately, most of us tend to be limited to automatic
breathing.One third of
us don't breathe well enough to sustain health. Oxygen intake and elimination
of carbon dioxide is too inadequate to allow optimal functioning of the heart,
liver, intestines and other vital organs.
Let's review
the effect of breathing on various physiological systems.
Cellular
level: Longevity and health of every single cell in body and brain depend on
oxygen intake through breathing.
Nervous
system: Deep and slow conscious breathing tones the entire central and
peripheral nervous system.
Circulatory
System: The quality and efficiency of blood circulation depends on breathing.
When tiny air sacs in the lungs receive more oxygen, the heart pumps more blood
into the body. The body then absorbs nutrients more effectively. Toxins and
wastes are more thoroughly eliminated. Because breathing is so directly and
closely linked with circulation, the diaphragm is sometimes referred to as the
"second heart."
Muscles:
Muscles are developed or wasted depending on the efficiency of breathing and
blood circulation. When muscles don't get enough oxygen, they hurt.
Liver
function: When breathing is shallow or irregular, the liver cannot adequately
transmit the blood to the heart. Accumulated blood in the liver can cause
inflammation. However, deep, slow and conscious breathing can suck up excess
blood accumulated in the liver.
Digestive
function: Khalsa observes that poor digestion, including heartburn, is one of
the most common reactions to shallow breathing. Deep and slow breathing by
providing more blood to the alimentary canal improves digestion and reduces
acidity and gas.
"Rotto-Rooter"
function: Conscious breathing even helps the lungs by cleansing the lungs of
the toxins and noxious waste. Inefficient lungs may retain all kinds of toxins,
pollutants, allergens, viruses and bacteria. Deep and full breaths recruit the
entire lung into the act and can clean it of noxious substances.
Mood
Management: When the brain doesn't get enough oxygen, we feel anxious, dizzy or
lightheaded. With an abundant supply of oxygen, we tend to feel energetic and
cheerful. One of the best ways to calm yourself is to breathe deeply.
Immune
Function: As the controlled breathing reduces stress and negative emotions,
your immune function, too, may improve. According to Dr. Khalsa, conscious deep
breathing can prevent respiratory infections including common colds. I have not
had a common cold in the last couple of years, thanks to the continuous practice
of deliberate deep breathing.
Pain
Management: Deep, relaxing breaths and the practice of consciously holding and
releasing of breath increase the production of endorphins, which in turn reduce
the feeling of pain.
