The Beauty of a Deep Breath - Step 1
When I work with people on the massage table I often notice that they find it difficult to take a deep breath. Breathing deeply is a wonderful thing to re-learn (we all breathe well as babies!) and gives us a tool to slow down thoughts, heart rates, blood pressure, and days in general!
This tip will focus on using the diaphragm while breathing.
The diaphragm is a muscle that attaches at the front and back of your rib cage and provides a separation between your lungs/heart and the organs of the abdomen (stomach, liver, etc.)
1.) Sit or lay down in a stable, relaxed position. Place your hands on your belly to feel its rise and fall. Breathe normally for 5 breaths, noticing your belly.
2.) Inhale through the nose slowly and deeply and visualize the air flowing into the belly, and allow the belly to puff out. As you breathe in, the diaphragm pushes down into the organs of your abdomen, which pushes out the belly and gives room for the lungs to expand downward.
3.) Exhale through the mouth and allow the belly to sink back to its relaxed position, pushing air out of the lungs.
4.) Repeat for 5 breaths. If you feel faint or tired, rest.
Breathing in this manner may feel tiring or strange at first, but your body will get used ot it and thank you! The deeper the breath you take the more oxygen you will take into your blood and body, and this will give your body more energy to work with.
This is a great clip if you'd like to understand more about the mechanics of the diaphragm!
Happy Breathing!
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Enjoy!
Jessica Malmberg
Giving You Back to Yourself
Therapeutic Massage and Cranio Sacral Therapy
Make an appointment for a positive-energy building massage!
Enjoy the wonderful mental health benefits. (707)758-2365
Tuesdays 2-6pm
Wedesdays 5:45pm
Thursdays 2-6pm
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