Longevity Breathing: Breathe Well Live Long

Breathing can be a Link to the Subconscious

Breath is inextricably linked with life and is part of our autonomic nervous system (ANS). We breath without having to think about it. But we can mindfully control our breath and it becomes a link between the ANS (part of the subconscious mind) and the conscious mind. It can be a bridge to better health and healing on a physical, emotional, and mental level. Some forms of breathing can calm the mind and emotions and are a great tool to use in spiritual meditation.

In a Biblical context breath is associated with new life: When the Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground, he breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (Genesis 2:7). After Jesus was resurrected, he appeared to the disciples and breathed on them saying, “Receive the Holy Spirit” (John 20:21).

There are many different systems of breathwork ranging from yogic, Christian, Kabbalistic, to Taoist. Each one of these traditions has branches within branches and practices within practices. It is important to understand that some of the methods can be very effective but could also be disruptive and cause problems unless they are performed under supervision of trained masters.
I do advocate learning safe methods. The one I am most familiar with is part of the Taoist water method. I will give you an easy starting point and a link to much more information and training if you are interested.

Benefits of Breathwork

What if I told you that you could give yourself a massage just by breathing? And this massage would bring blood flow and movement to all your internal organs. And it would help release tight abdominal fascia so that your organs can function optimally. And this breathing could turn into a highly energizing exercise that could help you feel love, the love just hanging out in the universe up for grabs. You can do this while you are lying in bed. In fact, it is easier to learn while you are lying on your back.

The diaphragm is a dome shaped muscle found under the lungs and separates the lung and heart from the lower organs of the body. You control the length and depth of your breath with your diaphragm muscle. It surrounds many organs, and stretching and moving it will, in turn, massage these organs.

Simple Beginning Steps for Longevity Breathing

General rules:

• These exercises can be done standing, sitting, or lying down.
• Breathe softly through your nose.
• Keep the tip of your tongue on the ridge on the roof of your mouth.
• Keep breathing without pausing to hold your breath.
• Remember only to do 70% of your best effort.

To get started here are some simple steps you can do: This practice can be started with 1 set of 10 breaths, then rest and repeat. Just do as many repetitions as are comfortable for you. Five minutes is a good starting place.

1. Expand your abdomen as you breathe in, letting the chest relax so it doesn’t expand. Count in for as many seconds as you can WITHOUT straining, then try to breathe out slowly the same number of seconds. Try to deeply empty the lungs.
2. Feel your abdomen with your hands as you breathe. Notice if one area is freer to move than another. Focus on different areas that need to move more freely.
3. After a few days of practicing steps 1 and 2, try breathing into your sides. Let your sides expand rather than the front of abdomen and chest.
4. Practice step 3 for a few day then try breathing into your low back, feeling the pressure of the floor or bed under you.
5. Next focus on breathing into your kidneys, expand the lower to mid part of your back.
6. After a few days of practicing step 5, breathe into the back of your lungs, feeling pressure on the floor or bed with the upper back.
7. Lastly, try breathing deeply into your abdomen, sides, and back at the same time. Repeat this breathing exercise, but again, don’t strain.

Here is a link for much more detailed information on Taoist breathing: https://www.energyarts.com/taoist-breathing/