Intuitively, we know, but we are so busy, so distracted and so disconnected from our bodies. Our being. Our breath. How you breath matters. Rhythmic breathing is necessary for optimal health. Different rhythms create different symphonies in the body. Overbreathing, mouth-breathing and mindless breathing is wreaking havoc on our nervous system. When we take back the one and only thing that we literally have control over, we change our physiology, our wellbeing, our lives.

Life is stressful. Family lives, work lives, social lives, bills, traffic, and whatever daily crisis is upon us, if we are not paying attention, being mindful in the moment…..our breathing is affected. Whether it’s holding the breath, over breathing or mouth breathing…..it is harmful if left unattended. We are creating stress hormones (Cortisol, Adrenaline, Epinephrine & Norepinephrine) which we need in a fight or flight situation, but all day everyday is troublesome.

When we become connected to the breath, use our noses and regulate our inhale to exhale ratio we create immediate stress release and the potential for healing, improved mindset, more creativity and manifestation. And if that’s not interesting enough, we also balance the physiology in our body, producing more Endorphins, Serotonin and Dopamine. Did you know that we are a walking pharmacy and that we have all the chemicals within our bodies to create and mimic potent drugs? Examples include endorphins and enkephalins (opioid-like, pain relief), anandamide (cannabinoid-like), dimethyltryptamine (DMT) (psychedelic-like), and various neurotransmitters that are vital for regulating mood, pain, appetite, and energy levels and are produced or NOT produced, depending on how we are breathing.

Breathing in a specific rhythm, using our noses and activating the diaphragm optimizes our state and balances stress AND happy hormones in healthy doses. Humming, chanting and even a physiological sighs with our exhales boosts our Nitric Oxide by 15%. And if you aren’t familiar with that magic molecule read about it here: https://holisticwellnesswithcindy.com/2023/05/11/nitric-oxide-what-is-it-why-do-we-need-it-and-how-to-optimize-production/. Different rhythms and patterns are beneficial for specific intentions or goals. I’ve included a brief description below of a few patterns to target the parasympathetic “rest and digest” response, leading to lowered heart rate, stabilized blood pressure, decreased stress levels, enhanced cognitive function, mental clarity, focus, and emotional regulation by increasing oxygen flow to the brain. Breathing through the nose and into the belly and find a rhythm that feels comfortable and not forced or strained.

Flow state rhythm (4-4, 2-2) – exhale equals inhale

Box breathing (4-4-4-4) or triangular breathing (5-5-5) – holding for same count at top and/or bottom of breath

Straw breath – in through the nose breath out like your blowing through a straw (or use a straw if you have one handy)

And if we wanna go even deeper…..the magical breath- trauma release/deeper healing – sex magic – our reproductive and creative source – more intense/deeper breathing patterns, focused visualization paired with increased energy, improved mindset, determination and action. This can be very powerful stuff and it is typically recommended to work with an experienced mentor/teacher.

Relax. Surrender. And remember connection to your breath is your sacred connection to your higher source, higher self, nature, God and a place of serenity and healing.

Namaste, Cindy

Below is a link to our Soma Breath app which is FREE to download, contains a ton of free resources, education and meditations….with the option to purchase upgrades in the app.

https://go.somabreath.com/soma-app-membership?fpr=cindyhubbslonsdale