Body, Mind and Breath

HEALING PRINCIPLES OF ACUPUNCTURE
AND
TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE

The mind, body and breath work together synergistically. Whenever one is disturbed the others react. Practicing to maintain a good posture, a calm mind and a deep breath provides a healthy dose of preventative medicine. In times of stress, lack of mental focus, tiredness, or say an uneasy, nervous feeling try to relax by comfortably deepening your breath. Shallow breathing decrease oxygen to the body and the brain. In addition carbon dioxide a waste product is not expelled sufficiently which can overheat the body and cause discomfort. Maintaining deeper breathing requires a calm mind and proper posture. Slouching prevents the abdomen from expanding on a deep inhalation. Sitting up straight allows the lungs to open and descend deeper drawing in more oxygen. Sit up straight with your hands on your abdomen and feel your abdomen expand gently and then settle on inhalation and exhalation respectfully. Try it quietly as a meditation for 10 minutes a day to promote relaxation. Practice brings awareness and soon deeper breathing becomes natural.

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Christopher Carlow, D. Ac.
July 12, 2008