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Breathe easy to aid wellbeing
Breathing correctly can improve spiritual, physical and emotional health
Many Eastern cultures believe breathing regulates the life force within us and, that by learning to breathe correctly, we can improve our spiritual, physical and emotional health.
Breathing is a spontaneous process that should provide the body with the correct balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide. However, when we fall into poor or restricted breathing patterns, this balance is disrupted and can exacerbate various health problems.
Stress can be a prime cause of ineffective breathing. Under stress, our breathing becomes rapid and shallow – and, in severe causes, can lead to hyperventilating. This disrupts the oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the body, and causes side-effects such as dizziness, fatigue and tension in the upper back and neck.
Poor posture is another cause of deficient breathing. Poor posture can reduce lung capacity and the ability to breathe deeply.
Another factor can be pain. When we suffer pain, we don't breathe properly – and this can cause pain to worsen and may cause a pain cycle.
However, a good breathing technique can have very positive effects. Learning to breathe slowly, deeply and correctly can aid the relief of stress and tension, insomnia, poor posture and pain, among others.
It can enhance all the body's systems and the brain by increasing the vital supply of oxygen and encouraging more efficient functioning.
Check breathing Place your hands over the lower ribcage and breathe normally.
Your lower ribs should expand outwards a little on the breathe in. If the movement is concentrated in your upper chest instead, you are not be breathing correctly.
Improve your breathing Sit up straight and lift your body, lengthening your spine. Relax and focus on your breathing. Slow your breathing and take deeper breaths by allowing the lower ribcage to open and extend outwards.
Allow the whole abdomen and chest area to open out, giving the lungs maximum space to expand. Slowly release the breathe out. Practise on a regular basis to gradually improve breathing and reduce stress.
Top tips for healthy lungs
Don't smoke – a large majority of lung diseases are smoking related.
Eat healthily – a diet rich in hard fruits, such as apples, can help improve lung function.
Regular aerobic exercise increases lung
capacity and efficiency.
Avoid pollution – use a face mask in heavily polluted areas, and keep your home lung-friendly by regular vacuuming to kill dust mites.
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Weather for Bedford
Tuesday 14 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 5 C to 8 C
Wind Speed: 20 mph
Wind direction: North west
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