The yogis say “if you can control your breathe, you can control your life.” Our breathe is a barometer of our physical and emotional health.
According to a Wall Street Journal article by Sumathi Reddy, “breathing and controlling your breath is one of the easiest ways to improve mental and physical health, doctors and psychologists say. Slow, deep and consistent breathing has been shown to have benefits in treating conditions ranging from migraines and irritable bowel syndrome to anxiety disorders and pain.”
“If you train yourself to breathe a little bit slower it can have long-term health benefits,” says Murali Doraiswamy, a professor of psychiatry at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, N.C. “Deep breathing activates a relaxation response,” he says, “potentially decreasing inflammation, improving heart health, boosting your immune system and maybe even improving longevity,”
Over the last 27 years, the daily practice of pranayama – deep breathing techniques, have greatly enhanced my physical and mental health. To learn about pranayama and try four different breathing techniques, please click here…
And, watch the video above to learn the 4-7-8 breathing technique pioneered by Harvard-trained Dr. Andrew Weil, which is described as a ‘natural tranquilizer for the nervous system’ helping to quickly reduce tension and allowing the body to relax.
Go ahead, give these breathing techniques a try, and share them with your family and friends. And, enjoy the healing power of breath.
Wishing you wellness,
Gayathri Ramprasad, MBA, CPS
Founder & President, ASHA International
