The Power of Breath

You can go for weeks without food, days without water, but only a few minutes without breathing. Breathing has such an immediate impact on your mind and body that even the act of inhaling vs. exhaling affects your nervous system differently. It’s common to train in diet, exercise and even hydration, but almost no one trains their breath. This is a huge missed opportunity for health-seekers. Did you know…

• Breathing can change your blood PH (acid/alkaline) in minutes. No food, exercise or medication acts as quickly.
• You can often determine your dominant nervous system state simply by placing your finger underneath your nostrils and exhaling.
• Reduced rate breathing can stimulate a rest and digest, parasympathetic nervous system state to help with sleep, stress, and anxiety.
• Rapid, pulsed breathing stimulates a sympathetic nervous system response to increase energy, prepare for exercise, or boost the body’s natural defences.
• Diaphragmatic breathing massages the Vagus Nerve and reduces heart rate, lowers blood pressure, and reduces stress.
• Breathing can help reduce the fear of public speaking, improve digestion, reduce insomnia, lower stress, anxiety, and overwhelm

In this class, we will explore the mechanics of breath and will practice three breathing techniques that have a profound impact on our sympathetic nervous system. Want to feel energized, balanced or calm?  Want to improve your sports performance?  Your breath can take you there!