Breathing is Essential for Life

Every day, we breathe without even thinking about it. Breathing plays a crucial role in our mental and physical well-being by constantly renewing our life-sustaining energy. It oxygenates our blood, energizes our cells, and expels carbon dioxide, a waste product of metabolism.

In a nutshell… breath detoxifies, releases toxins, and strengthens the immune system.

1. Breath Detoxifies and Releases Toxins
Around 70% of our body’s toxins are expelled through our breath. By breathing deeply, we help our body process these toxins more efficiently.

2. Breath Increases Energy
Oxygen is vital for our cells. While we can survive without food for up to 40 days and without water for three days, we can only survive a few minutes without breathing.

3. Breath Improves the Respiratory System
Deep breathing releases tension in the diaphragm and primary breathing muscles, alleviating long-term respiratory issues like asthma and breathlessness. It opens the chest, relaxes muscles, and promotes better posture.

4. Breath Calms the Nervous System
Deep breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes relaxation and counters the fight-or-flight response of the sympathetic nervous system.

5. Breath Strengthens the Lymphatic System
The lymphatic system relies on gravity, muscle movement, and breathing to function. Deep breathing helps cleanse the body and protect it from bacteria, viruses, and other health threats.

6. Breath Releases Muscle Tension
Stress and negative emotions cause shallow breathing and muscle contraction. Deep breathing helps release this tension.

7. Breath Improves the Cardiovascular System
Deep diaphragmatic breathing improves circulation to the heart, liver, brain, and reproductive organs.

8. Breath Elevates the Digestive System
Deep breathing increases blood flow to the digestive tract, promoting better digestion and alleviating issues like IBS and constipation. It also calms the nervous system, enhancing digestion.

9. Breath Affects Our Mental State
Quality breathing relaxes the mind and enhances learning, focus, concentration, and memory. Increased oxygen intake improves mental clarity and productivity while reducing stress, anxiety, and negative thoughts.

10. Breath Keeps Us Looking Youthful
Deep breathing slows aging by increasing the secretion of anti-aging hormones. By reducing stress, it improves mood and elevates levels of serotonin and endorphins.

REFERENCE: "And Breathe: The Complete Guide to Conscious Breathing" by Rebecca Dennis.**