Techniques | Breathe Network

How Breathwork Helps Those With Asthma, COPD and Cystic Fibrosis

Many people who suffer from breathing conditions like asthma, cystic fibrosis and COPD have started to turn to the alternative medicine approach of using breathwork. Breathwork has been used for centuries as an effective means of maintaining and helping various health conditions that involve the lungs. Here is a look at how breathwork has helped improved these conditions and why it has become so popular over the past few years.

There are dozens of different types of breathwork techniques out there. Some involve the use of yoga or Pilates while others use meditation or a licensed breathwork coach. No matter what breathwork technique you use the basic concepts behind breathwork is the same. Breathwork is used to improve the functions of the lung by opening up the passageways that lead to the lungs. When these passageways are opened up the body can release built up toxins and create newer fresher oxygen. This characteristic of breathwork makes it ideal for those that suffer from asthma, COPD and cystic fibrosis because it allows them to naturally open up the airways and improve lung functions that might have been decreased because of these illnesses.

Many people have started to turn to breathwork as an alternative medical approach to asthma, COPD and cystic fibrosis because they do not want to suffer the side effects that might come with many of the medications that are used to treat these conditions. Instead they are looking for a natural and healthy way to improve their lungs and increase their oxygen intake.

Breathwork is the answer to these people’s problems because it can increase the oxygen flow and open up airways just by using the simple function of breathing in and out. While many people who suffer from these health problems might need to use some conventional medicine they can often decrease their reliance upon conventional medicine.

Filed Under: Breathwork, Techniques Tagged With: Cystic fibrosis, Genetic disorder, Lung

How to Tell if You are Breathing Properly

Not many people realize this but they are actually not breathing properly. It might be hard to believe because everyone has to breathe to live but it is estimated that over 90% of the world’s population is not breathing properly. Here is a look at how the world is breathing improperly and why it could be very detrimental to their health.

Most adults when they breathe use the upper half of their lungs. The lungs are a part of the body that filter and make oxygen for your body. The problem with breathing with the upper portion of the lungs is that the upper portion does not create a lot of oxygen and that causes a person to breathe improperly.

Researchers are unsure why many people breathe with the upper portion of their lungs. If you were to observe a small child or baby you would notice that when they breathe their bellies move up and down. This is a sign that they are breathing with their lower part of the lungs. However, as humans grow older they move from breathing with the lower part of the lungs to using the upper portion.

If you are wondering if you use the upper or lower portion of the lungs all you have to do is observe your belly when you breathe. When you take a breath in does your stomach move into your body or away? If it is into your body then chances are you use the upper portion. If it is away then you probably use the lower portion.

This might not seem very important but breathing with the upper portion can create adverse health problems. The less oxygen that you consume the more fatigued you might feel and the less energy you will have. It is also believed that the less oxygen you consume can have a direct effect on heart attacks and strokes.

In order to learn how to properly breathe many people have to engage the help of a breathwork counselor to help them re-learn how to breathe properly.

Filed Under: Health, Techniques Tagged With: Breathing, Health, Oxygen

Breathing Correctly Can Help to Reduce Pain and Anxiety

When you’re stressed out and uncomfortable, many people will suggest that you ‘just breathe’ or ‘take a deep breath.’ It might sound like a technique to get you distracted or make you pause before you yell, scream, or hurt someone, but it’s actually a way to help you calm down. It works, too, if you pay attention to it and do it properly. If you’re not interested in focusing on it, it may not do what you hope it will, but the people who focus on their breathing and work with it do see great results. Don’t be afraid to try it, because you have nothing to lose.

Breathing the right way makes you feel calm and relaxed. It can help lower your blood pressure, ease muscle aches and pains, calm a racing mind and heart, and even help you feel less pain from a wound or injury. Those are all good advantages to having proper breathing techniques under your belt when you need them. Many people practice good breathing techniques even when they feel well, because they know they’ll have an easier time when they feel bad. If you’re facing pain, and trying something for it like platelet rich plasma injection therapy, breathing properly may help you get through your procedure more easily.

Learning how to breathe correctly, in a way that’s calming, can take a while. It requires practice when you feel good, so it can be used more efficiently when you feel poorly. Of course, not everyone wants to practice it when they feel well. It can seem like a waste of time or not be very interesting. Even so, it’s vital that you remember to practice, so you’ll be ready when you don’t feel as good. That’s a great way to help manage pain and fear any time it comes into your life.

Filed Under: Health, Techniques Tagged With: Blood pressure, Breathing, Health, Pain

Sleeping In For Better Health

There are countless books, blogs, and pundits ready and waiting to tell you about the next best thing in “wellness innovation,” whether that be the next new super food or a new revelation in aroma therapy or meditation. While it is true that there are many things one can do to enhance wellness and vitality, including eating the right foods (at the right times), taking in regular exercise, and even engaging in a good daily laugh, the truest forms of wellness therapy still come in the simplest, most natural of activities.

One such example is the seemingly simple act of sleeping, something many take for granted because it is as natural as breathing and eating. Yet getting a good night’s sleep can do an extraordinary amount of good in creating overall wellness, enhancing essential energy of the mind and body, and boosting happiness levels.

Of course any amount of sleep is better than none at all, but in order to reach that nirvana level of what professionals refer to as “healthy sleep,” the right amount of undisturbed restful slumber for adults is widely agreed to be eight hours. Yet it is easy to understand the struggle most adults have in actually getting the sleep they need, given the hectic schedules and unpredictable lifestyles many people choose to embrace. Following a few simple tips, however, can assist even the most stubborn sleeper to make the time and create an environment where healthy sleep can occur.

Find a suitable, healthy sleeping pattern
The human body adapts well to routine. Go to bed every night at the same time, get eight hours of sleep, and wake up at the same time every morning. The body will acclimate and adapt to the change in schedule and begin making it easier to maintain.

No exercise before bed
It seems logical that a good workout will exhaust one to sleep by definition. The truth is that even light exercise gets the heart pumping, the sweat glands working, and just might wake you up more than you think. Always experience some mellow downtime before turning off the lights.

Get comfortable
Avoid falling asleep in front of the TV or on the couch. The more comfortable you are, the better quality of rest you’ll receive and your body will thank you for it.

Filed Under: Health, Techniques Tagged With: Conditions and Diseases, Physical exercise, Sleep disorder

What are Electric Cigarettes?

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Electric cigarettes are a growing and relatively new niche within the globally lucrative industry of cigarette manufacturers. It seems that regardless of the number of new laws passed by individual governments regarding tobacco use, cigarettes will always find their way into the hands of desiring tobacco users. The controversy behind smoking lies not so much in the product as it does in its unintended consequences to bystanders for whom second-hand smoking is a real concern.

The impetus behind the electric cigarette and what supporters claim to be the solution to the collateral effects of second-hand smoking is that the electric cigarette, or e-cigarette, does away completely with smoke as a side-effect of smoking without additional risks to bystanders. The FDA, however, seems to disagree and is undergoing legal disputes over the authority to regulate electric cigarettes. It seems that from the perspective of the FDA, e-cigarettes are a device used for the delivery of nicotine and, thereby, should fall within its purview.

The way the electric cigarette works is by inhaling through its mouthpiece, what traditional cigarette smokers might view as the filter end of the cigarette. When the act of inhalation is performed, a vaporizing process is initiated within the replaceable cartridge component of the cigarette. The resulting vapor mist contains nicotine and tobacco flavored scent. This mist is what is inhaled by the “smoker” and, in effect, replaces the smoke delivery method of traditional cigarettes. Manufacturers of e-cigarettes claim that the mist harmlessly evaporates into the air and therefore does not present a second-hand smoke effect to others within a range of the smoker.

The electric cigarette is composed of a small rechargeable battery, replaceable cartridge, and the delivery device usually made to resemble a traditional cigarette that holds all of these components in place and used for delivery of the resulting vapor when inhaled.

Filed Under: Alternative Practices, Techniques Tagged With: Cigarette, Electronic cigarette, Health

Benefits of E-Cigarettes

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Everyone knows that cigarette smoking is bad for you. It’s addictive and cigarettes contain 19 carcinogens, which can cause health problems including cancer. If you had the chance to continue your habit of smoking but lessen your chance of health problems, would you take it? It’s been found that there are two reasons that make giving up smoking hard: the addictiveness of nicotine and the actual act of smoking. This is why nicotine gum and nicotine patches don’t work. Sure, you get your nicotine fix, but you don’t get to enjoy your daily ritual of smoking.

This is where e-cigarettes come in. E-cigarettes, also called electronic cigarettes or e-cigs, were developed and patented in China in 2003. Since the first e-cigarette was sold in 2004, they’ve become popular all over the world. There are many benefits to e-cigarettes including the following:

* Less carcinogens: Because the nicotine is administered in a liquid, which is then heated to vapor and breathed in, less carcinogens are necessary for administration. In fact, there was a study done by Dr. Murray Laugesen in New Zealand that found that the toxins found in e-cigarettes (which include carcinogens) were below harmful levels.

* Ability to choose level of nicotine: With e-cigarettes, you choose exactly how much nicotine is in your liquid solution. This could potentially be used to taper off how much you use each day so you can eventually quit.

* Keep the habit: By using e-cigarettes, you are able to keep up the habit that you so enjoy while doing less damage to your health.

* Available flavors: Besides the traditional flavors of nicotine and menthol, you can get flavors such as pineapple, strawberry, energy drink, coffee, vanilla, and more. You can even get cartridges with no nicotine, so if you want to keep the habit without the nicotine addiction, you will be able to do so.

Filed Under: Techniques Tagged With: Addiction, Electronic cigarette

It takes more than a good scent to be therapeutic

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Other forms of therapy find a place between these two extremes, carrying both physical and emotional/spiritual benefits. One such example is aromatherapy.

Aromatherapy, in its truest, best form, comes from nature itself, usually from the very essence of plant oils. Generations have espoused the healing and curative aspects of aromatherapy, as the pungent and pervading odors of these essences enter the body and, depending on the oil, do much to promote the ongoing health of body, mind, and spirit.

Along with essential oils, aromatherapy embraces the use of other natural ingredients from a variety of sources. Along with minerals such as sea salt and natural sugars which serve as excellent exfoliates, some cultures have perfected the use of the land itself – in the form of mud and clay – as ways for the body to not only cleanse itself through the abrasive cleansing nature of the dirt, but through the very aroma of the land, with the minerals and nutrients it holds.

On the flipside, there are many products on the market that claim to be true agents of aromatherapy, yet carry very little, if any, natural essence of any kind. As a general rule, products that carry any kind of chemical of artificial ingredients intended to mimic the effects of natural essences are not considered true agents of aromatherapy. It takes more than simply “smelling good” to call itself therapy. Always look to the ingredients to ensure the product you buy can deliver on its promises.

People tend to seek out relaxing and stimulating therapy in variety of ways. Some enjoy the soothing calm that comes with a good body massage or something as simple as a foot rub – a simple form of therapy that enlivens the senses and promotes good feelings. Other kinds of therapy venture deeper then the physical, through awareness techniques, meditation, and through the work of professional therapists who deal directly with the emotional and sometimes spiritual aspects of wellness and healing.Other forms of therapy find a place between these two extremes, carrying both physical and emotional/spiritual benefits. One such example is aromatherapy. Aromatherapy, in its truest, best form, comes from nature itself, usually from the very essence of plant oils. Generations have espoused the healing and curative aspects of aromatherapy, as the pungent and pervading odors of these essences enter the body and, depending on the oil, do much to promote the ongoing health of body, mind, and spirit.Along with essential oils, aromatherapy embraces the use of other natural ingredients from a variety of sources. Along with minerals such as sea salt and natural sugars which serve as excellent exfoliates, some cultures have perfected the use of the land itself – in the form of mud and clay – as ways for the body to not only cleanse itself through the abrasive cleansing nature of the dirt, but through the very aroma of the land, with the minerals and nutrients it holds.On the flipside, there are many products on the market that claim to be true agents of aromatherapy, yet carry very little, if any, natural essence of any kind. As a general rule, products that carry any kind of chemical of artificial ingredients intended to mimic the effects of natural essences are not considered true agents of aromatherapy. It takes more than simply “smelling good” to call itself therapy. Always look to the ingredients to ensure the product you buy can deliver on its promises.

Filed Under: Alternative Practices, Health, Resources, Techniques Tagged With: Alternative, Aromatherapy, Essential oil, Massage

The Benefits of Stretching at the Workplace

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Many office professionals find themselves siting at their desks for hours on end, many for as long as eight or nine hours without taking more than a bathroom break or grabbing a quick bite to eat. But sitting in one single, sometimes overly tense position for too long can lead to undue soreness, muscle and joint pain, and a decided lack of work production.
By taking just a few moments during the workday to take pause and do some simple stretching exercises, fatigued workers can get some much-needed rejuvenation and do much to avoid the kind of stiffness in the neck, shoulders and back that can lead to serious injury.
Every few hours, scoot back from the computer keyboard and a take a few minutes to stretch the neck. Look straight ahead, relax the shoulders, take the right hand and gently reach over the head and press down on the left side of the head at the temple. Slowly draw the head to the right, bringing it closer to the right shoulder, stretching the left side of the neck and back. Hold in that position for five seconds and slowly release. Repeat the exercise on the opposite side. This simple and quick stretch will relieve tension and stress pain in the neck, shoulder, and upper back.
For another quick and easy exercise, assume the same position; shoulders relaxed, face forward. With the right hand, press against the right side of the chin, turning the head to the left. Put easy pressure on the chin until the head is facing over the left shoulder and hold for five seconds. Slowly release, and repeat the stretch on the other side. Remember to keep the shoulders square and relaxed.
These simple office desk stretches are quick and easy to perform, and coupled with constant hydration throughout the day will result in less stiffness and soreness, a clearer mind, and better work performance.

Filed Under: Alternative Practices, Health, Techniques Tagged With: Health, Stress, Stretching

Shake the Blues with The Awareness Technique

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There are several symptoms to depression, whether it be chronic or the occasional blues many people feel every day. These symptoms can sometimes prove debilitating, including extended bouts of exhaustion, loss of appetite, prolonged sadness or excessive crying, even low energy and a significant loss of concentration. But one thing these and other symptoms of depression have in common is that they all tend to find root in an overall reluctance to engage with the outside world. Depression by its very nature leads to withdrawal. Even extremely minor bouts of depression, such as being in a bad mood, can cause some to go for a walk, hide in their room, or take a solitary drive just to “get away.”

It stands to reason that for those who are feeling the blues, and are experiencing minor bouts of depression that aren’t part of a major illness, they can treat themselves by working to become more aware and attempting to engage with the world around them in a more meaningful way. One technique that works is an exercise of heightened awareness, or a conscious paying of attention to even the most mundane, minute details around them. By choosing to engage the world in this fashion, many have found a real sense of peace and have been able to rise from the doldrums.

Take a walk, and be hypersensitive to what you see, feel, hear, smell, even taste. Pay particular focus to things that would normally seem meaningless or mall; a bump in the road (I sense the way my foot feels when I step on that bump), or a chirping of a bird (I hear the sound of a bird chirping). Speak these nuggets of awareness out loud so they can enter your being and connect you to the world around you. Pay particular attention to senses that may be underserved in your environment (I feel the way the wind passes my face; I taste my gum and feel the way its juices roll down my throat, etc.).

Through simple awareness techniques like this one, life will regain its color and the cobwebs of confusion will slowly lift away.

Filed Under: Alternative Practices, General Discussion, Health, Techniques Tagged With: Depression, Disorders, Mental health

Easy Exercises for Stressed Out Hands

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The hands, for example, can go through a remarkable amount of stress throughout the day, especially for those who spend most of their day typing on a keyboard. But this discomfort also can extend to just about any profession – whether that is a service-oriented job like those working in food preparation or a store clerk, to those who drive for a living, to those who work with very small components in manufacturing. Regardless of the job, chances are the hands are stressed out and need a break.

Here are a coupe of easy, quick exercise to relieve the hands and wrists of harmful stress:

Stretching

Nothing promotes muscular well being like stretching, no matter where on the body. Hold the left hand out, palm facing outward. With the right hand, pull back gently on the three middle fingers, keeping the left arm outstretched and causing the hand and wrist to stretch. Hold for five seconds and repeat on the other hand.

Stress ball

As hokey as the stress ball may be (a distant cousin to the pet rock in many people’s books) they are an excellent resource to stretch the fingers and wrists, and oddly enough, they can actually reduce stress! Have a small, squeezable stress ball nearby and where you feel extra tension in the hands, have a go for a minute or two. Worse case scenario you will increase blood flow in the hands and arms and feel refreshed for doing so.

Sitting for hours upon hours every day at a desk job in the same position, with the same posture, forcing your body to go through the same motion time and time again can be taxing to the physical well-being of anyone. And while it’s always a good idea to take multiple breaks throughout the day to stretch, walk, hydrate, or even step outside for a welcome breath of fresh air, there are parts of the body that are always neglected to a fault.The hands, for example, can go through a remarkable amount of stress throughout the day, especially for those who spend most of their day typing on a keyboard. But this discomfort also can extend to just about any profession – whether that is a service-oriented job like those working in food preparation or a store clerk, to those who drive for a living, to those who work with very small components in manufacturing. Regardless of the job, chances are the hands are stressed out and need a break.Here are a coupe of easy, quick exercise to relieve the hands and wrists of harmful stress:StretchingNothing promotes muscular well being like stretching, no matter where on the body. Hold the left hand out, palm facing outward. With the right hand, pull back gently on the three middle fingers, keeping the left arm outstretched and causing the hand and wrist to stretch. Hold for five seconds and repeat on the other hand. Stress ballAs hokey as the stress ball may be (a distant cousin to the pet rock in many people’s books) they are an excellent resource to stretch the fingers and wrists, and oddly enough, they can actually reduce stress! Have a small, squeezable stress ball nearby and where you feel extra tension in the hands, have a go for a minute or two. Worse case scenario you will increase blood flow in the hands and arms and feel refreshed for doing so.

Filed Under: Alternative Practices, Health, Techniques Tagged With: Body, Mental health, Stress, Stress ball