SELF HEALING ARTICLE – 6 JANUARY 2020 – HEALING HEALTH BENEFITS OF BREATHING

The breath is linked to our automatic nervous system. Daily breathing practices activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is associated with resting and digesting i.e. a more peaceful mind and body.

Here are some health benefits of breathing :

• Decrease anxiety & depression.
• Increases happiness and optimism.
• Improve sleep.
• Strengthen our ability to regulate emotions.
• Improve trauma symptoms.
• Reduce impulsivity, cravings & addictions.
• Decrease stress & regulates our body’s level of cortisol.
• Strengthen our immunity by altering genes responsible for stronger immunity.
• Reduce pain and activation of pain centers on the brain.

Kabat-Zinn makes clear the powerful connection between meditation and breathing when he writes, “The breath is the current connecting body and mind…It is the current of life.” Meditative breathing is a way to connect with the here and now, which is life.