Introduction:

Modern society truly under estimates breathing and its key role in the well being of our bodies.

Older cultures and societies understood the role of breath much more than we do.

They used it as emotional and physical nourishment for the body.

A freely and fully breathing body is healthy and better equipped with natural defences against negative effects including pollution, infection and nutritional deficiencies. One of the most potent ways of stimulating the lymph system, thus aiding the immune system, is by deep yogic breathing.

Yogic breathing and other breathing techniques devised and practised in other parts of the world have been used for centuries to allay hunger, heal sick bodies, balance strong emotions and to explore different states of consciousness.

Anybody at any time can explore breathing this way; it is an attainable goal. What usually happens to our breathing is that we forget it and generally get it so mixed up with our emotions that we literally stifle, repress and contort its healing potential and daily life-giving properties.

Whatever age you are, when threatened, your breathing may become rapid, uneven, shallow and jerky, and when panic takes over breathing can collapse altogether. A reaction to emotion - any emotion, good or bad - generally tends to be breathing that is shallower and higher in the chest. Negative emotion usually creates an added restriction in the belly area and even a freeze on the air sacs in the lungs, creating a kind of physical and emotional suffocation. Relaxed breathing and a calm feeling always come from the belly. Laughter comes from the belly and is one of the most potent lung healers of all.

In Chinese medicine the lungs are said to be the 'female' side of the partnership with the 'male' colon. As with everything in this universe, upset one side of a partnership and the other will be in imbalance. If the lungs are not working well the colon will falter, and constipation, diarrhoea and other symptoms can easily develop.

Back to top

Nutritional Advice:

Avoid dairy and wheat products if you have respiratory problems; the excessive mucus production caused in your body when these are eaten will clog and inhibit proper lung, sinus and other related mucus membrane function. Nutritional deficiencies also affect the respiratory system; low hydrochloric acid levels in the stomach and a lack of zinc and magnesium are often found in those people who suffer from respiratory diseases, so eat cabbage and garlic. Garlic should be eaten on a daily basis to create and then maintain digestive equilibrium. Other important minerals which will assist respiration are those for immune system function and include, selenium, vitamin C and vitamin A.

Adopt and practice a programme of belly breathing.

Exercise and explore hot and cold showers which are essential for circulation and lung air exchange.

Colon cleanses will help maintain the health of the lungs.
Saunas, if taken for short periods of time alternating with cold showers, will be beneficial to lung health. Avoid if pregnant, weak or elderly.
Essential oils can really help breathing and different ones will produce a wide range of effects. Eucalyptus and camphor will clear and open the lungs and the majority of people will find this mixture most effective. Some asthma sufferers, however, may find it makes things worse. In these cases use essential oils like frankincense and mandarin that will calm and regulate the breathing.