Breathing is important. I'm sure you knew that, but what about HOW you breathe?
Ask yourself:
Is my breathing shallow?
Do I hold my breath often?
Do I often sigh after taking deep breaths to try to ease tension in my abdomen?
Do I have anxiety that feels breath related?
If so, you very likely could benefit from conscious breathwork.
First become aware of what your mood is.
Then you can figure out what type of breathwork would most benefit you.
Breathing Types
Notice: Always be safely seated in case you get dizzy. Use your own discretion as to whether you are a good fit for this practice. I (the writer) am not a medical professional, and this is not intended to take the place of any professional advice you are given.
These are simply practices I have learned and benefited from.
The recommended products should be used as indicated on their labels.
Energy ~
Sit either in a chair with your feet to the floor or cross legged on the floor. Make sure you are comfortable and focus on your lower belly. You can place your hands on your belly if it helps you.
Test your breathing – firstly quickly contract your lower belly in as you exhale, noticing how forcefully the air is breathed out.
Next, allow yourself to release the belly contraction so it passively allows an inhale to suck air back into your lungs. Allow your air to expand your belly by releasing your muscle tension in your abdomen.
Starting off slowly, repeat this 10 times, working at around one exhale-inhale cycle every second or two
Start off with 2 minutes of this at a time. As this contraction and release of your lower belly becomes easier, you can increase the speed and length of each practice to 5 minutes.
Our recommended essential oil blend for this breathwork:
Calm & De-Stress ~
Sit either in a chair with your feet to the floor or cross legged on the floor. Make sure you are comfortable and focus on your lower belly. Allow your spine to be upright, and place your hands on your knees with eyes closed.
Take a moment to tune into your breath without changing it.
Inhale through the nose for a count of four until your lungs are full.
At the top of the inhale hold, then pause for a count of four. Allow your belly to expand into your abdomen.
Take in a touch more air and hold again if you can comfortably.
Exhale through the nose for a count of four until your lungs are emptied.
At the bottom of your exhale, pause and hold for a count of four.
Repeat steps 3-6 for at least 5 minutes and then observe how you felt before and after.
Our recommended essential oil blend for this breathwork:
Relaxation & Balance ~
Ensure you are sitting comfortably with either your feet planted or legs crossed. Rest your left hand on your knee and place your right hand up towards your face. You will use your thumb for your right nostril and your ring finger for your left nostril. Close your eyes.
Close over your right nostril and inhale through your left for a slow, smooth count of 4-8 seconds (whichever you can do comfortably).
Close over the left nostril with your ring finger and open the right nostril to exhale for 4-8 seconds (matching the inhale) through this side.
Inhale through the right nostril for 4-8 seconds (matching the length you’ve chosen), and then close this nostril with your thumb and exhale through the left nostril.
Repeat this cycle for up to 5 minutes, finishing with an exhale on the left side.
Our recommended essential oil blend for this breathwork:
We could go on and on about the different uses of breathwork. No matter how you might be feeling, you can likely benefit from its use. We also carry many different Essential oil blends to assist with being human. After all, that is why we do what we do here. Helping you feel your best self is our goal.
Richest Blessings,
~The Healing Place Farm