Breathing well

Justine Jamieson looks at the importance of conscious breathing for optimising your health.

It’s the first and last thing we do – and every moment in between. Breathing is the most fundamental act of life on Earth. Every breath delivers oxygen to our bloodstream through the lungs’ alveoli and removes carbon dioxide, a waste product of metabolism. Oxygen powers cellular respiration, producing ATP, the body’s energy currency, while exhaling CO2 maintains homeostasis and prevents toxic buildup. Beyond sustaining life, breathing regulates blood pH, ensuring an optimal balance for cellular function. But breathing goes far beyond physiology – many zen masters or yogis would say it’s our access to infinite consciousness. The subtle power of breath Slow, deep breaths activate the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation, while rapid breaths stimulate the sympathetic nervous system, preparing us for action. Nasal breathing, often overlooked, is a…

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Good (Digital) - 1 Issue, Issue 98 Feb/Mar 2025

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