At Nikken we say, “To breathe is to live.” Said another way, there is no life without breath. Breathing is such a crucial part of existence that we often take it for granted, unless we have a cold and are congested, or if we suffer from any type of respiratory distress. Breathing fills the body with oxygen, which is even more important than food and water to fuel cell activity! After all, we can spend hours and days without food and water, but how long can we survive without breathing?
Every system in the body relies on oxygen. It’s not just the respiratory system that is fueled by oxygen—the digestive, circulatory, endocrine, nervous, cardiovascular and immune systems all depend on oxygen, so imagine how important it is to breathe deeply and the importance of the quality of the air we breathe in! Dirty air still fuels the body but it also wreaks havoc, whereas clean air supports the body’s natural abilities for renewal.
The process of breathing is one of the body’s amazing feats. With each inhalation, the diaphragm that is located at the bottom of the ribcage, contracts so the lungs can expand. As air travels through the air sacs and lungs, oxygen is passed to the bloodstream. At the same time this is happening, carbon dioxide travels into the air sacs from the bloodstream to be released out of the body with each exhalation. On average, this process takes place between 17,000 to 30,000 times a day!1
You can actually maximize the benefits of breathing in clean air by taking time out each day to breathe mindfully. It’s far easier to do than to quiet the mind for meditation! Here are the two main ways to increase the benefits of deep breathing:
1. Make sure your posture is good. Sit or stand up straight. This allows your lungs to expand quickly and efficiently with each breath you take. It also helps to get the carbon dioxide out quickly with each exhalation. When you feel groggy or are suffering from an afternoon slump, sit or stand up straight and take some deep breaths in and out. You may be surprised how quickly you feel a renewal of energy, because oxygen has filled your brain!
2. Most people think about breathing in terms of inhalations. In reality, exhalations are just as important, because you are pushing carbon dioxide out. Most people only exhale 70 percent of the carbon dioxide in their lungs.2 Do your best to push all the air out of your lungs as though you are blowing bubbles. Your body will feel renewed almost instantly.
Scientists are finding that breathing properly can help reduce stress and even strengthen the brain’s functionality and performance. Breathing techniques can also help maintain clarity and a sense of calm and focus as oxygen nourishes every single in the body.3
During the entire month of December, get the KenkoAir Purifier® for 30% off and benefit from three-level filtration and negative ion technology. You’ll be inhaling clean, ozone-free air wherever you place it!
1 https://elliottphysicaltherapy.com/importance-proper-breathing-overall-health/
Active Wellness Blog 