The Benefits Of Balanced Breathing

A breathing exercise to quieten the mind

Since breathing is second nature to us, we often take its benefits for granted. Breathing is a hugely beneficial tool for handling with stress – not only for you as you go about your day, but also as a way to calm panicky pregnant moms or women in labour.

Respiration for relaxation

• Conscious breathing quietens the mind.
• As you inhale, your body is infused with life-giving air.
• Internally, oxygen is carried throughout your body.
• As you exhale, your body is cleansed of used gases and your muscle fibres relax momentarily.
• This process is as much a spiritual experience as a physical one: a sense of calm and rejuvenation is drawn in with clean air, and tension and negativity is let out as you exhale.

Step 1

Sit upright with feet on the floor. Close your eyes, let your mind rest, and place the thumb of your right hand beside your right nostril, and your two middle fingers beside your left nostril. 

Step 2

Gently close the right nostril with your thumb and slowly exhale through your left nostril. Inhale slowly and deeply through your left nostril.

Step 3

Close the left nostril with your two middle fingers and exhale out of the right nostril. Inhale through the right nostril.

Step 4

Alternate this ‘balanced breathing’ for five minutes. Then lower your arm and sit back comfortably with your eyes closed for a minute or two.

Practise this breathing exercise regularly and it’ll not only become a valuable part of your day, but will be a way to help patients who need a sense of calm. After all, breath is life.