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The breathe of life

Writer's picture: Jenny Willis, RDH Jenny Willis, RDH

Updated: Dec 8, 2023

Deep breathing is a powerful relaxation technique that has a multitude of health benefits:

  • removes toxins from our blood. When we breathe deeply, we contract the diaphragm which helps remove the toxins from our blood.

  • expels 70% of the stress hormone, cortisol from our body. When we breath shallow, we increase our stress hormones.

  • reduces the amount of acid we have in our body. High acidity equals inflammation and stress increases the acidity we have in our bodies.

  • improves our posture! When we have poor breathing habits, we have poor posture. Filling up your lungs automatically straightens your spine.

  • gives us more energy! When we breath deep, we have an increase in oxygen in our blood which gives us higher energy levels.

  • slows down our heart rate and helps combat anxiety.

  • helps you sleep better

  • releases endorphins which are the "feel good" hormones that can act as a natural pain killer

  • makes our digestive system function more efficiently.


To practice deep breathing, start by finding a comfortable position, preferably seated or lying down. Close your eyes if desired. Begin by taking a few deep breaths, inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth. Make sure to inhale deeply and exhale fully, allowing your chest and abdomen to expand as you inhale and contract as you exhale. After a few breaths, begin counting your breaths. Start with a count of four as you inhale, hold for a count of four, then exhale for a count of four. As you get more comfortable with this practice, you can increase your count as desired. Continue this practice for several minutes, focusing on your breathing and the sensation of your breath passing in and out of your body.




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