The benefits of breath work
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), our day-to-day Qi gives our body the energy to function. Just as there are different types of energy in science – solar, nuclear, potential, kinetic, etc – there are also different types of Qi/energy in our bodies. Qi protects us from pathogens, holds our organs in place, and give each organ the energy to do it job properly, among other things. Basically Qi is very important !
Diet is a primary source of Qi for the body, in TCM though Qi not only comes from the food we eat but also from the air we breathe.
When the Lungs pull in fresh clean air and the Spleen (the major digestive organ in TCM) derives nutrients from our food, our Qi should be sufficient to get us through the day without having to tap into reserves (held by the Kidneys).
Most commonly poor posture and stress can produce shallow breathing, as can a host of other sources. Shallow breathing can become a persons natural way of breathing over time, but with practice we can become more mindful and improve.
In Shiatsu we particularly love the healing benefits of Qi Gong – exercises that focus on breathing but also include movements to stimulate circulation – but meditation, yoga and other breath centred activities can also help train the unconscious mind to tell the body to breathe more deeply.
If you are new to the idea of breathing exercises I would recommend Sarah’s up and coming workshop – follow the link https://www.blossom-wellbeing.co.uk
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