Belly Breathing, Diaphragmatic Breathing, Abdominal Breathing to Lower Stress, Tension, Anxiety and Improve Overall Health

Whether to control anxiety, learn self-hypnosis or be able to relax fully one must learn to breathe diaphragmatically. The diaphragm is the smooth, large muscle separating the lungs and the abdomen; its major function is to control the inhalation and exhalation of the lungs. In contrast to thoracic breathing it is naturally slower and deeper. This results in better oxygenation of blood and improves the function of every cell, system and organ in the body including the brain. (Oxygen is necessary to help us repair and regenerate our bodies)
What Type of Breather Are You?
Put one hand on your belly and one on your upper chest. Take a deep, (NOT TOO DEEP) easy breath in through the nose. Determine which hand moves. If your belly hand moved you’re a diaphragmatic breather, if your chest hand moved you’re a thoracic breather.
How to Learn Abdominal Breathing ( Belly Breathing, Diaphragmatic Breathing, Abdominal Breathing are different names for same process )

• Sit or lie down comfortably.
• Put one hand on your chest and one on your stomach.
• Slowly inhale through your nose and push your belly out, imagine there’s a ballon in your belly and your filling it up. Your inhalation should be slightly deeper than your regular breath. The belly should come up an inch or so.
• Pause slightly and than exhale slowly out your mouth pushing all the air out completely, allowing the belly to go down. Than repeat the whole process.
•  Do this 5-10 times per day for 1-2 minutes each time.
•  There may be a chance of feeling dizzy or light headed when learning this exercise. If this happends, stop for a few moments before resuming in a less intense manner.

Tracey Tullis, M.Ed., Certified Hypnotherapist, Please call if you have any questions: 603-472-5455