BREATHE
“If I had to limit my advice on health to just 1 tip, it would be simply to learn how to breathe correctly.”
– Dr. Andrew Weil
Throughout the ages, healers, physicians, psychologists and spiritual guides have used the power of the breath to attain mental, physical and spiritual wellness. Today, their secrets are available to us to use as a pathway to a calm, focused mind, an energized, healthy body and a peaceful spirit.1
When you breathe properly, you can switch off your stress response and switch on your relaxation response, reduce your inflammation, balance your immune system, relieve your anxiety, enhance your health, improve your mental and physical performance, and re-energize yourself.2
If you breathe poorly, low-grade inflammation from chronic shallow breathing can compromise the function of your immune system3,4 and make you more susceptible to serious health conditions, including allergic diseases like asthma, arthritis and Crohn’s disease as well as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), certain cancers and certain infections.5,6 Chronic inflammation from chronic shallow breathing may also increase your risk of developing Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels and cardiovascular disease.6
Activate the natural anti-inflammatory healing power of your breath.3 “Breathe” is the first of the Vital 7 Healthy Habits.
References
1 Stevenson S. Sleep Smarter: 21 Essential Strategies to Sleep Your Way to a Better Body, Better Health and Bigger Success. New York, NY: Rodale, Inc; 2016:140-149.
2 Brown RP, Gerbarg PL. The Healing Power of the Breath. Boston, MA: Shambhala Publications; 2012.
3 White MG. Inflammation, breathing and oxygen. Optimal Breathing Master Web site. http://www.breathing.com/articles/inflammation.htm. Accessed March 1, 2017.
4 Di Benedetto S, Müller L, Wenger E, Düzel S, Pawelec G. Contribution of neuroinflammation and immunity to brain aging and the mitigating effects of physical and cognitive interventions. Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2017;75:114-128.
5 Axe J. Inflammation at the root of most diseases. Dr. Axe Web site. https://draxe.com/inflammation-at-the-root-of-most-diseases. Accessed March 1, 2017.
6 Mandal A. What is oxidative stress? News Medical Life Sciences Web site. www.news-medical.net/health/What-is-Oxidative-Stress.aspx. Accessed March 1, 2017.
Brazos Minshew 