Breathing in Presence
Breath work is an important function of the human body, we all know that.
Did you know most people breath incorrectly? "Respiration is our primary and most important movement pattern,,, and also the most dysfunctional." says fames Czech researcher Dr. Karel Lewit. For me, Teaching the body to utilize the breath properly is one of my favorites. The human body breathes on average 21,000 breaths a day. Wow! We can optimize the breath for a physiological response as well as to reduce stress and emotional benefits ensue.
There can be a great deal of confusion when discussing the breath and the way it correlates to the benefit of the body. As an autonomic function, we do not need to consciously breath, our body does that for us. We can however create a healthy relationship with our breath to optimize our input/output by training our bodies to breath correctly.
There have been studies indicating many myofascial disorders related to the improper breath. "The diaphragm is the most responsible structure for generating negative intra-thoracic pressure" says Erik Dalton, Phd. There is an intimate relationship with the diaphragm and the core of the body. When we breath incorrectly we create misuse of the muscles which support our entire body. Our muscles can become fixated on the ribcage, our body stiffens, and we can be more susceptible to pain. The body can result with other ongoing issues from a rib fixation such as shoulder mobility issues, or limited range of motion of the upper complex of the body. Some instances have proven to cause nerve pain due to inflammation which can in tern cause some intense pain shooting down the arm or create tension with the neck.
Many people breath in the upper chest and shoulders as well as only offer body a shallow breath. To become present with the breath one can alleviate some chronic ailments in the upper shoulders and neck by relaxing the pectorals (chest muscles) and the upper back with the trapezius, levator and scalenes of the neck. Proper breath can also address core tension, and help relieve low back pain because the body can become engaged and relax so it is not in constant contraction.
There have been connections made with chronic pain and poor breath work. Here are a few common issues I have witnessed in my treatment room regularly and have researched as well.
* Chronic low back pain
*Frequent tension type headaches
* high stress and anxiety
* chronic strain in the body from desk work
*chronic rib fixations
If you suffer from any of these body imbalances, check the breath work of the body. Proper breath work can greatly affect the body in a rebalance and restructure of the frame of the body as well as reduce stress simply by pausing to breath. Place a hand on the diaphragm, just below the rib cage in the middle of the abdomen. Place another hand below on the low belly. When you inhale, try to get the breath way down low into the hand on the low belly. Let your stomach relax into your hand. The other hand on the diaphragm should flatten and contract. On the exhale the belly should move in toward the spine and the diaphragm should relax. This is proper breath work. Get in for a massage or osteopathic treatment. I offer these treatments regularly. Lets get the ribs released and increase your range of motion!
I teach proper breathing techniques for my clients in my treatment room as well as the fitness classes I offer. I am happy to have a conversation or one on one with anyone interested to learn how to breath well. I am happy to help create a plan to your journey to preventative wellness!
When we can learn to slow down and breath, we can often notice the tension we are holding in our body. The tight neck or headaches, or tight upper shoulders become present. Bringing awareness often brings an immediate response to drop the shoulders, to stand more erect, and to bring the scapulas back toward the spine. I have been practicing body work for 15 years and it is a constant effort to train the body. Anyone can become present. Yoga is an amazing resource with breath work. You can even practice at home these days if your schedule does not allow for a group practice.
I am teaching a movement class this Saturday 10am-12n for any of you (ladies only for this class) interested to come practice. www.naturalbodyworksmassage.com will get you some details under the events page. Drop in fee is $25. It is an aerobic holistic movement class with yoga and mediation included.
When we pause to breath, we become present. We can reduce our anxiety and stress by becoming aware consciously. Anxiety and stress are an emotional state existing in the past or future. When in the present moment, we have an opportunity to reflect our status, adjust our physiological response and learn how to be more aware. We can change our course many times a day by breathing. Our attitudes, our emotions, and our behavior can be switched with a snap of a finger and our bodies can release tension, holding patterns and fixations.
I encourage you to pause today, to breathe, and to witness and experience your body, your mind and see what you can change to be most present. Our breath is optimal when engaged.
Thanks for reading my blog, and Thank you for your patience as it is a day late! Leave your feedback or comments if interested!
See you next week!
Did you know most people breath incorrectly? "Respiration is our primary and most important movement pattern,,, and also the most dysfunctional." says fames Czech researcher Dr. Karel Lewit. For me, Teaching the body to utilize the breath properly is one of my favorites. The human body breathes on average 21,000 breaths a day. Wow! We can optimize the breath for a physiological response as well as to reduce stress and emotional benefits ensue.
There can be a great deal of confusion when discussing the breath and the way it correlates to the benefit of the body. As an autonomic function, we do not need to consciously breath, our body does that for us. We can however create a healthy relationship with our breath to optimize our input/output by training our bodies to breath correctly.
There have been studies indicating many myofascial disorders related to the improper breath. "The diaphragm is the most responsible structure for generating negative intra-thoracic pressure" says Erik Dalton, Phd. There is an intimate relationship with the diaphragm and the core of the body. When we breath incorrectly we create misuse of the muscles which support our entire body. Our muscles can become fixated on the ribcage, our body stiffens, and we can be more susceptible to pain. The body can result with other ongoing issues from a rib fixation such as shoulder mobility issues, or limited range of motion of the upper complex of the body. Some instances have proven to cause nerve pain due to inflammation which can in tern cause some intense pain shooting down the arm or create tension with the neck.
Many people breath in the upper chest and shoulders as well as only offer body a shallow breath. To become present with the breath one can alleviate some chronic ailments in the upper shoulders and neck by relaxing the pectorals (chest muscles) and the upper back with the trapezius, levator and scalenes of the neck. Proper breath can also address core tension, and help relieve low back pain because the body can become engaged and relax so it is not in constant contraction.
There have been connections made with chronic pain and poor breath work. Here are a few common issues I have witnessed in my treatment room regularly and have researched as well.
* Chronic low back pain
*Frequent tension type headaches
* high stress and anxiety
* chronic strain in the body from desk work
*chronic rib fixations
If you suffer from any of these body imbalances, check the breath work of the body. Proper breath work can greatly affect the body in a rebalance and restructure of the frame of the body as well as reduce stress simply by pausing to breath. Place a hand on the diaphragm, just below the rib cage in the middle of the abdomen. Place another hand below on the low belly. When you inhale, try to get the breath way down low into the hand on the low belly. Let your stomach relax into your hand. The other hand on the diaphragm should flatten and contract. On the exhale the belly should move in toward the spine and the diaphragm should relax. This is proper breath work. Get in for a massage or osteopathic treatment. I offer these treatments regularly. Lets get the ribs released and increase your range of motion!
I teach proper breathing techniques for my clients in my treatment room as well as the fitness classes I offer. I am happy to have a conversation or one on one with anyone interested to learn how to breath well. I am happy to help create a plan to your journey to preventative wellness!
When we can learn to slow down and breath, we can often notice the tension we are holding in our body. The tight neck or headaches, or tight upper shoulders become present. Bringing awareness often brings an immediate response to drop the shoulders, to stand more erect, and to bring the scapulas back toward the spine. I have been practicing body work for 15 years and it is a constant effort to train the body. Anyone can become present. Yoga is an amazing resource with breath work. You can even practice at home these days if your schedule does not allow for a group practice.
I am teaching a movement class this Saturday 10am-12n for any of you (ladies only for this class) interested to come practice. www.naturalbodyworksmassage.com will get you some details under the events page. Drop in fee is $25. It is an aerobic holistic movement class with yoga and mediation included.
When we pause to breath, we become present. We can reduce our anxiety and stress by becoming aware consciously. Anxiety and stress are an emotional state existing in the past or future. When in the present moment, we have an opportunity to reflect our status, adjust our physiological response and learn how to be more aware. We can change our course many times a day by breathing. Our attitudes, our emotions, and our behavior can be switched with a snap of a finger and our bodies can release tension, holding patterns and fixations.
I encourage you to pause today, to breathe, and to witness and experience your body, your mind and see what you can change to be most present. Our breath is optimal when engaged.
Thanks for reading my blog, and Thank you for your patience as it is a day late! Leave your feedback or comments if interested!
See you next week!
Comments
Post a Comment