Simple Breathing Techniques to Extend Your Life

Normally, breathing seems like such a simple, natural thing for most of us. When we're healthy, we almost never even notice this process unless we're doing vigorous exercise.

On the other hand, ask someone who has respiratory difficulties, asthma for example, and they'll tell you that there is nothing more crucial to feeling good.

Some of you reading this may wonder how something this simple and basic can extend your life. Isn't it just something everyone does normally?

There's a Right Way and Wrong Way...

Huh? Yes, there is a wrong way.

For example, research indicates that slow, deep inhaling and exhaling using your diaphragm muscles triggers what Dr. Herbert Benson termed, "The Relaxation Response" (in the book of the same name). In that book he says that it sets off a natural mechanism that protects us from the negative effects of stress. And those same stress reactions contribute to physical aging.

But this isn't new information. The ancient Hindus and the ancient Chinese developed elaborate systems of movement and stretching including specific instructions on this. These systems, such as yoga and qigong, are still used today by people wanting to experience deeper relaxation and better health.

Simple Instructions to Breathe Effectively

There are lots of ways to learn to breathe deeply, but what follows is one of the simplest:

1. Lie down comfortably on your back and place your hands on your abdomen, just below your navel.
2. As you inhale feel your hands lift slightly along with your abdomen.
3. As you exhale, your hands will drop slightly along with your abdomen.

If you don't notice your hands lifting, it generally means that you are only only using your chest muscles in respiration. Simply relax and allow yourself to inhale more deeply. It will feel as though you are breathing down into your abdomen.

Do this for at least 5 minutes each day. Ideally, you will make time twice a day to do this. After a very short time you should notice that you feel more relaxed and mentally clear after practicing.