Breathing right does not usually make it to the top 10 health advice. However, it carries the most vital responsibility for every cell in the human body.
Posture, energy level, performance capacity, stress reduction, appetite, digestion, bowel and bladder function and circulation are all maximized with proper breathing pattern.
Breathing right maximizes oxygen intake and reduces CO2 retention. This will increase one's energy level, reduces fatigue, disorientation and feeling drained. Regular breathing can improve brain rhythm and thus it will lead to healthy thought process.
Breathing right will also demand proper posture which regulates intra-abdominal pressure. In turn it will promote normal bowel and bladder function. Timely intra-abdominal pressure will also regulate blood return back to the heart. Proper posture along with circulation will result in relaxed neck, back as well as shoulder muscles.
It is generally observed that most people breathe incorrectly. They avoid using their diaphragm which leads to only utilizing a small portion of the lung capacity.
The lung is made up of small and large lobes. Smaller lobes are placed higher and fill up with air faster than the larger lobes. Lower lobes have the capacity of exchanging more oxygen and carry this vital responsibility when one correctly uses one's diaphragm.
Although breathing is an involuntary process, it is voluntary to attain its full capacity. One can practice this simple steps in front of a mirror to achieve proper breathing, techniques;
- Sit up straight, shoulders relaxed and level with hips, knees at 90 degrees and feet flat on the floor.
- Place right hand on the chest and left hand on the belly.
- Right hand should not move much and left should move out with the belly with proper breathing.
- Push belly out and watch your left hand move out with the belly as the right hand stays still hold for 3 seconds (ensure not to see much movement with your right had).
- Repeat this last step 5 times.
- Then inhale air into your lungs when your belly is being pushed out and exhale the air out with sucking belly in. Practice this step for 15-20 reps.
Please watch your rhythm in the mirror and ensure your left hand moves out with your belly as you are inhaling and move in as exhaling. As well, please watch your chest expansion in the mirror to ensure that the right hand is not moving forward and back and your rib cage is expanding sideways.
Proper breathing is a mental training process. It requires persistence to achieve but it is routine for the body to continue with that pattern.
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