Breathe the right way for good health

Breathing right ensures a healthier and longer life by supplying enough oxygen to the body and reducing stress.It also calms down mind.

Proper breathing is key to good health.Besides ensuring sufficient supply of oxygen to the body,correct breathing also calms the mind.Slow,deep and conscious breathing ensures that we use our lungs to their full capacity.Most of us do not breathe deeply using our diaphragm.As a result,our breathing is shallow.

Oxygen helps our body cells use the energy from the food we eat to keep our organs functioning.As 70% of our body waste is discharged in the form of gases and particles,breathing helps cleanse our body.It helps boost the immune system,energy levels and overall health.Proper breathing helps us think positively and increases our confidence level.It also makes us open-hearted and helps us connect easily with others and experience compassion.

Breathing and weight loss

Thereis a link between weight loss and conscious breathing.When we are stressed,our body releases cortisol that converts protein into energy and releases stored sugar as fuel.It stimulates fat and carbohydrate metabolism for energy,and insulin release to maintain blood sugar levels.Correct breathing reduces stress,lowers cortisol,and reduces appetite and craving for food.

The right way to breathe

Inhale slowly and deeply through the nose.Relax the shoulders.While breathing,the abdomen should expand and the chest should move up a little.Exhale slowly through your mouth;purse your lips and release air slowly.Keep the jaws relaxed.Practise this pattern of breathing as many times as possible in a day.

To breathe consciously,count up to three,both while inhaling as well as exhaling.

While travelling or sitting at your office desk,breathe in through your nose and breathe out through your mouth.Some people use sounds like oooooh and ahhhhh,which they find very relaxing.

Alternatively,you can even silently chant the word relax -- re while breathing in and lax while breathing out.Breathing this way releases tension and stress.All the while,remember to keep your shoulders relaxed.

Every individual has her own breathing pattern but the key is to be relaxed and breathe deeply and slowly.Fifteen minutes of practising proper breathing can rejuvenate you by balancing your chakras and by making your aura powerful.Refer