Breathing difficulties can seriously handicap our ability to function and enjoy life. Air is our most vital source of energy and vitality. When we suffer from asthma, bronchitis, allergies, frequent colds or simply insufficient oxygen intake, we are prone to a lack of energy, vitality and /or mental clarity.Every cell within our body depends on an abundant supply of oxygen for proper metabolism and vitality.
Some Causes of Breathing Problems
1. Hereditary weakness may make our lungs or other organs of respiratory apparatus weak points in our system. Thus when tired, overworked, anxious or stressed, these parts of
body will start to malfunction. This does not mean, however, that we must suffer. It is in our hands to live in a certain way so as nurture and protect our bodies and minds. Among such weaknesses we should include inability of immune system to effectively protect body from microbes and viruses. In some cases immune system may work overtime trying to protect body from "imagined" dangers. Allergies and asthma are often result of such over-reactions from immune system.
2. Environmental factors may also aggravate condition. Cold and humid weather tend to accentuate breathing problems. Pollen and other particles in air may cause allergic reactions. Occupational conditions such as working in a dusty area or in a smoke filled room may also aggravate problem. Pollution irritates our nasal passage and lungs. Smoking cigarettes obviously damages our lungs, cutting off our supply of oxygen.
3. An over production of mucus clogs up breathing passages, obstructing breathing. Foods, which tend to cause excess mucus, are all dairy products, white flour, white rice and sweets.
4. A lack of sufficient liquid intake causes mucus to thicken and cling to lungs and other breathing passages. This creates a favorable environment for microbes to reproduce.
5. Blockages in spinal vertebrae or tension in muscles of upper back may also obstruct flow of nerve impulses and bioenergy to lungs. This may inhibit proper functioning of lungs.
6. Emotional blockages are directly connected with our breathing. People, who experience anxiety, depression, fear, nervous tension or a poor self-image, tend to subconsciously hold their breath. Thus their breathing is tense, shallow, and sometimes spasmodic. Long-term emotional blockages may also affect adrenal glands and thus hormonal disorders may also play their part in problem. Negative emotions also depress or disturb functioning of immune system.
7. A lack of proper education in breathing is another reason why people suffer from breathing problems. It is entirely possible for us to learn to use our lungs more effectively for greater energy, vitality, peace and clarity of mind. This should be learned from an experienced breath coach.
Some Solutions
1. Environmental & Habitual Factors
a. Surround yourself with large green leafed plants, which produce oxygen and absorb pollution. b. Get out of city frequently. Go sea or mountains and breathe fresh clean air. c. Use regular deep breathing to clean out and rejuvenate your lungs. d. Deep breathing while walking can clean out a considerable amount of pollution from lungs. e. If you smoke, then - love yourself - and stop.
