E-Newsletter:
How to Breathe and Why It's Important (6/10)

If you've been reading this e-newsletter long, you've heard about the benefits of deep breathing exercises, the number two CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) therapy. From relaxation to ignoring winter chills to gaining more energy, deep breathing works wonders!

This month I asked Erik LaBelle, Reiki Master/Teacher, why deep breathing exercises are so important and how to do them right. Here are his thoughts:

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Imagine the opposites of slow, deep breathing exercises to understand the the benefits.

Relaxation
When your fight-or-flight responses kick in, you hyperventilate. You lose control of your breathing and it becomes too fast. Slow, controlled breathing exercises help calm those panicky reflexes so you can relax. "Imagine the stress leaving your body as you exhale."

De-Stressing
Fixating on your problems makes them loom larger and larger. Instead, focus on your breathing to free your mind from other stressors. Pay attention to inhaling, exhaling and counting each breath. "Breathe out the stray thoughts."

More Energy
Oxygen fuels your body. "If you're not breathing, you're not alive!" More subtly, the quality of your breathing will reflect in your quality of life. Breathe in the energy and imagine it flowing through your body, clearing any blockages.

Breathing out the stress and breathing in the energy takes a little more care than simply inhale/exhale:

1. Breathe in deeply and slowly. First fill the bottom of your lungs, then the middle and finally the top. Take 8 to 10 seconds to fill your lungs completely. Breathe through your nose if possible.
2. "Hold the breath in for a count of 10." This slows you down so you don't hyperventilate or revert to shallow breathing.
3. Exhale more slowly than you inhaled, again to prevent hyperventilation and the accompanying dizziness. Push the air from the bottom of your lungs, the middle and then finally the top. You should be able to exhale quietly and easily.
4. Stop for just a second before inhaling again to pace your breathing. Notice your heart rate and pulse - common measures of stress - slowing with your breathing.

"Do this 10 or 15 minutes a day." Deep breathing exercises are an easy way to introduce meditation into your life. You can work up to longer times and more structured meditation exercises.

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Remember help is just an email, phone call or tweet away. Erik is happy to answer your questions about deep breathing exercises, meditation and energy work. If relaxation continues to elude you, try a Reiki session. Email Erik LaBelle, Reiki Master/Teacher, or call 312-504-7693 to set an appointment for a Reiki healing session.

Anna Schibrowsky
Chicago Healing Studio