Category Archives: Exercise

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Diaphragmatic Breathing

Category : Exercise , Postures

I shared in my last few sessions a breathing technique called Diaphragmatic Breathing or Deep Breathing. Here are some of the benefits which I said I would share to all who attended the sessions.  By publishing on the web I thought many more would benefit from it.

Scientists discovered what God already demonstrated in the beginning of mankind. We read in Genesis how God formed man from the dust by breathing into his nostril the breath of life.Then the LORD God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being (Genesis 2:7). Job said, “The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life” (Job 33:4). In the New Testament we Jesus breathed on His disciples to receive the Holy Spirit. And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit…” (John 20:22).

The below is an extract from Laurette’s article on ‘Breathing—Escape the Shallows’. Some of the benefits of abdominal breathing include:

• increased energy
• reduced mental and physical fatigue
• possible relief from long-term respiratory difficulties such as asthma and bronchitis
• elimination of toxins
• improved blood circulation
• increased supply of oxygen and nutrients to cells throughout the body
• increased oxygen to the brain aiding relaxation and mental clarity
• increased endurance
• clearer, more radiant complexion
• sound sleep (whenever I’ve had trouble sleeping, gentle deep breathing has helped my body relax, allowing me to fall right off to sleep)
• relief from tension
• since shallow breathers are more prone to depression, deep breathing can offer relief
• some studies show deep breathing helps relieve menopause-related hot flashes
• during stretching postures (like PraiseMoves) deep breathing helps to gently stretch connective tissue, thus increasing flexibility; postures are held for three to five breaths with each breath taking approximately ten seconds each
• if recovering from an illness or injury, diaphragmatic breathing can partially compensate for lack of exercise
• control: instead of that unplanned snack.

Eating right, exercise and taking control of the flesh are all ways we discipline the body. Helping the body relax and operate more efficiently also takes discipline.  The apostle Paul said, “But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should be come disqualified” (1 Corinthians 9:27).

Below is an interesting video I found on YouTube on how the lung works. It is a short explanation with animation taking us into the lungs to investigate how they help keep us alive. When we breathe, we transport oxygen to the body’s cells to keep them working, while also clearing our system of the carbon dioxide that this work generates. Deep breathing will help to transport the oxygen we breathe in to the lowest part of the lung.