Acupuncture is often an excellent treatment for a variety of conditions, from anxiety to vertigo. However, there is another treatment that I often recommend to my clients, as homework, in between our sessions. That treatment is simple deep breathing exercises. There are many benefits of deep breathing, both short term and longer term. I’ll address some of the key ones in this article.
Some of the benefits of deep breathing include:
- Decreased stress
- Increased calm
- Stimulation of the lymphatic system (this helps to detoxify the body)
- Improved immunity
- Increased energy
- Lower blood pressure
- Better sleep
- Pain relief
- Improved digestion
- Better posture and muscle stability
The sympathetic nervous system manages our fight-or-flight response. This increases the release of hormones that will empower us to deal with physical danger and leads to shallow breathing patterns. Deep breathing on the other hand, activates the parasympathetic nervous system, helping us to achieve a relaxed state with the rest-and-digest response.
You don’t need any special equipment to do deep breathing. You can do it anywhere, anytime. All it takes is being a little mindful and noticing the breathing process.
How to make it a habit
Many smartphones and/or smartwatches have got apps on them to provide a guide for the rate of breathing to aim for. This essentially shows you a “breath bubble” that you breathe along with. Apps can also prompt you to take a couple of minutes in the first place to do your deep breathing. I subscribe to the Calm app but there are plenty of alternatives out there. I use the premium version. This provides a large selection of meditations and sleep stories. There is also a free version though, that will get you set up and you can try out their breathe bubble here.
Give it a go over the next week and notice which benefits happen for you.
Stay safe, stay well, stay home.