Why Practice Breathwork Techniques?

Written By Amy Mastrogiuseppe

Why Practice Breathwork Techniques?

You breathe automatically, often ignoring the incredible engine that is your lungs. But the depth and pattern of your breath directly cue your central nervous system.

  • Shallow Breathing signals your body to enter sympathetic mode (fight, flight, freeze), which can contribute to anxiety, high blood pressure, and reduced lung capacity.

  • Deep Breathing—nasal inhaling that expands into the belly—activates the parasympathetic system (rest, digest, calm). Daily practice can foster a calm mind and body, enhancing emotional intelligence and helping you respond, rather than react, to situations.

Furthermore, daily breathwork can boost your immune system and exercise your lungs for greater capacity.

The Longevity Secret: Lung Capacity

In the famous Framingham Study—a 70-year longitudinal research program on heart disease—researchers made a surprising discovery: how you breathe might be the most important factor in determining your lifespan.

  • Gathering data from 5,200 subjects, they found the greatest indicator of a long life wasn't genetics, diet, or exercise. It was LUNG CAPACITY.

  • "Healthy, functional breathing & breathwork exercises can help you preserve and even possibly continue to develop your lung capacity as you age."

  • Follow-up studies consistently replicated these results, showing that lung function is a significant predictor of longevity. Even participants with moderately impaired lung function had an increased risk of death.

  • Amazingly, studies on transplant patients suggest that a larger lung capacity is paramount, seemingly negating the importance of other lifestyle factors.

START TODAY TO INCREASE YOUR LUNG CAPACITY!!!

A simple yet profound technique that invokes peace, calm, and reduces anxiety:Deep Belly Breath

  1. Position: Begin by sitting comfortably or lying down.

  2. Hand Placement: Place one hand on your lower belly and one hand on your chest.

  3. Inhale: Begin inhaling through the nostrils, expanding the breath first into the belly, then the diaphragm, and finally the chest. Inhale to a slow count of at least 5.

  4. Exhale: Slowly exhale to a count of at least 5 (the inhale and exhale count should match).

  5. Practice: Practice at least 10 rounds. This can be done several times per day, at any time.

Amy Mastrogiuseppe