Breathe, my friend, breathe…

Breathing is the number one (free) tool we all have and can use to improve our overall health and well-being.

From a physiological perspective, breathing provides the body with essential oxygen and allows us to get rid of carbon dioxide as we exhale.

This exchange happens in the lungs through tiny capillaries (blood vessels) that surround the alveoli (tiny air sacs that fill the lungs).

There are many muscles involved in respiration: first and foremost, the diaphragm, a dome-shaped muscle that separates the lungs from the abdominal cavity, and the intercostal muscles which are attached between the ribs and assist primarily during the inhalation process.

Additionally, there are several ancillary muscles that assist during the process, but they are believed to play a secondary role.

The exhalation is mostly a passive process where the lungs function like a balloon and recoil as air leaves the body through the trachea (windpipe).

Sometimes in yoga during pranayama (the practice of controlling the breath) we utilise the abdominal muscles to manipulate the inhalation or the exhalation as appropriate.

Breathing is an immensely powerful tool to anchor our awareness to the present moment, and as a result, to release stress and let go of anxiety.

I am not too sure why, but the power of the breath is often underestimated and undervalued by most people. Make sure you are aware of yours 🙂