My patients often state they get tired in the afternoon in the middle of the work day due to a drop in their energy. Of course, we are often not able to lay down on our desk and take a nap, so my suggestion to my fatigued patients is is to relax and take a few deep proper breaths.We all know the body needs oxygen to maintain normal function. However when we are busy or stressed our breathing often becomes shallow and we bring in less oxygen and exhale less carbon dioxide. So when taking several deep breaths we ingest oxygen deep into our body. This nourishes our blood and all our cells and the exhalation removes harmful toxins. The oxygen we breathe in serves like a battery to recharge our body for daily energy.
One powerful breathing technique that I share during an acupuncture session is to sit upright in a neutral position and breathe from the diaphragm. As we slowly inhale our diaphragms should go outward and as we slowly exhale our diaphragm should go inward. Both inhalation and exhalation may be done to the count of 4. My experience is that if we maintains correct posture and practice this breathing technique then our energy will not drop severely midday. In Traditional Chinese Medicine the organ involved with breathing is the Lung. The air we take in combines with the nutrients we absorb through the Stomach and Intestines and our innate constitutional energy to create the Qi or vital energy that we use for all activities: digestion and elimination, immunity, physical activity, rest, reproduction, emotions, etc.
With proper breathing the body is able to withstand disease and recover from illness quickly, proper breathing will also give our skin a fresh, healthy complexion. I recommend to take just a minimum of five minutes a day to practice healthy breathing. Keeping dairy to a limit is beneficial for some patients to reduce phlegm in the body which can cause congestion in the lungs leading to a cough. Acupuncture and Chinese herbs are very effective to treat a cough or asthma by redirecting the Qi to descend and disperse within the body. At the Acupuncture Center of New Jersey, we can bring the body to balance and are happy to go over the correct breathing technique for optimal energy. Please use the following link to see a demonstration:
Watch this diaphragmatic breathing video:
or click here: https://youtu.be/1WMt_1jw47Q
Post by Punita Jhangiani, L.Ac.
Her specialties:
Acupuncture
Chinese Herbal Medicine
Fertility & Reproductive Wellness
Rehabilitation Therapies
Facial Rejuvenation
Contact us for your appointment: (973) 984-2800