Breathing properly is important for your health

Everyone knows that breathing is essential to life. Most of us do not think about our pattern of breathing because it is automatic. The primary role of breathing is to absorb oxygen and to expel carbon dioxide through the movement of the lungs. Muscles that control the movement of the lungs are the diaphragm (a sheet of muscle underneath the lungs) and the muscles between the ribs. Breathing correctly means that our bodies are being supplied with the right amount of oxygen, replenishing our brain and other vital organs with essential nutrients. If you are not breathing correctly, your body can be robbed of oxygen, leading to certain symptoms and conditions, such as: (1) Shallow over-breathing, or hyperventilation can prolong feelings of anxiety(2) Chest tightness, twitches or stiffness, tingling, numb and cold hands and face. (3) Constant fatigue, faintness and light-headedness(4) Feelings of panic, heart palpitations, insomnia(5) Headaches, muscular aches(6) The skin can suffer as it is not receiving enough fresh oxygenated bloodThe good news is that controlling your breathing can help to improve some of these symptoms and conditions. How to breathe correctly?Breathing correctly means using your diaphragm, the large sheet-like muscle that lies at the bottom of the chest cavity. To find your diaphragm, sit comfortably or lie on your back on the floor. Place your left hand on your upper chest and your right hand on your abdomen, in the gap of your rib cage. When you breathe in and out, your left hand should remain still and only your right hand should move up and down. If your left hand is moving, your breathing is too shallow and you are not using your diaphragm as you should. ...

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