Breath Meditations
Common Benefits of Breath Meditation
Common Benefits of Breath Meditation
Breath meditation yields many benefits to health and well-being. A few of the researched benefits are:
Breath meditation yields many benefits to health and well-being. A few of the researched benefits are:
1. Can improve oxygen supply to the blood, muscle and vital organs: The entire body depends on Oxygen for fuel. Every single cellular process on which our health depends requires the energy of breath. Many studies now find clear linkages between oxygenation of the body and deep belly breathing.
1. Can improve oxygen supply to the blood, muscle and vital organs: The entire body depends on Oxygen for fuel. Every single cellular process on which our health depends requires the energy of breath. Many studies now find clear linkages between oxygenation of the body and deep belly breathing.
2. Can calm the body and mind by inducing the relaxation response: Many people now live in a persistent state of stress, experiencing what is know as the "stress response" daily. The stress response, which is triggered by events perceived as physically or psychologically threatening, causes surges of neurochemical substances such as epinephrine. Such surges, when frequent, can damage blood vessels and arteries, increasing blood pressure and raising risk of heart attacks or strokes. The stress response can alter the body chemistry in ways that contribute to the buildup of fat tissue and to weight gain. For example, the cortisol can cause people to feel hungrier and to over-eat. Deep breathing, in contrast, can calm the stress response by inducing the "relaxation response." This can lead the body to lower the blood pressure, secrete "pleasure hormones" and counter the stress response.
2. Can calm the body and mind by inducing the relaxation response: Many people now live in a persistent state of stress, experiencing what is know as the "stress response" daily. The stress response, which is triggered by events perceived as physically or psychologically threatening, causes surges of neurochemical substances such as epinephrine. Such surges, when frequent, can damage blood vessels and arteries, increasing blood pressure and raising risk of heart attacks or strokes. The stress response can alter the body chemistry in ways that contribute to the buildup of fat tissue and to weight gain. For example, the cortisol can cause people to feel hungrier and to over-eat. Deep breathing, in contrast, can calm the stress response by inducing the "relaxation response." This can lead the body to lower the blood pressure, secrete "pleasure hormones" and counter the stress response.
3. Relaxes the muscles: Deep breathing has been shown to help people relax not only their nervous system, but their muscles as well. This can help many people who experience muscle stiffness.
3. Relaxes the muscles: Deep breathing has been shown to help people relax not only their nervous system, but their muscles as well. This can help many people who experience muscle stiffness.
4. Lowers blood pressure: much research now supports the benefits of deep breathing to the lungs and diaphragm. Deep breathing in some studies has helped people to lower use blood pressure medications and to control blood pressure naturally.
4. Lowers blood pressure: much research now supports the benefits of deep breathing to the lungs and diaphragm. Deep breathing in some studies has helped people to lower use blood pressure medications and to control blood pressure naturally.
5. Strengthens the lungs and heart: one of the most important benefits of deep breathing is the effect it can have on cardiovascular health. By practicing deep breathing techniques on a regular basis, you can make your breathing apparatus more efficient. This, along with oxygenation of the blood, takes a load of the work off the heart. The more the heart and other organs receive a rich supply of oxygen, the more benefits to overall health and well-being.
5. Strengthens the lungs and heart: one of the most important benefits of deep breathing is the effect it can have on cardiovascular health. By practicing deep breathing techniques on a regular basis, you can make your breathing apparatus more efficient. This, along with oxygenation of the blood, takes a load of the work off the heart. The more the heart and other organs receive a rich supply of oxygen, the more benefits to overall health and well-being.
6. Improves the management of certain psychological issues: frequent use of deep breathing techniques can improve mood for people with depression or anxiety disorders. When you try the meditations on this site for yourself, notice how even a short breathing practice can change your mood, your perceived tension and your overall sense of well-being.
6. Improves the management of certain psychological issues: frequent use of deep breathing techniques can improve mood for people with depression or anxiety disorders. When you try the meditations on this site for yourself, notice how even a short breathing practice can change your mood, your perceived tension and your overall sense of well-being.