Deep breathing exercises can help improve your lung capacity by delivering more vital oxygen to your body. This will strengthen your lungs, and clear and cleanse your airways. To add to this, it will increase your energy and reduce stress. To carry out this exercise, follow the instructions below:
1. Find a comfortable place and lie flat on your back.
2. Place your hands on your stomach at the bottom of your rib cage.
3. Close your eyes and breathe in deeply through your nose while counting to 5.
4. Hold your breath for 2 seconds, and then breathe out slowly while counting to 5.
By training, I am a American Board Certified Pediatrician. But in my younger years I grew up with natural alternatives. As a mom I have tried to incorporate both for my kids and it has worked wonders. And finally, as I am studying natural & alternative medicines, I realize the beauty and wisdom of living closer to earth. Hence in my practice I integrate both...for acute ailments I follow American Academy of Pediatrics recommendation but for simple and/or chronic conditions I prefer natural alternatives.
In western training we were raised to think that "health is the absence of symptoms and problems". But eastern sensibilities has educated me that "Health is state that allows one to use the full capabilities of their body, mind and intellect. Therefore, healthy living is a balanced state of well being: physically, mentally, socially and spiritually." This implies that healing is not a "one-pill-fits-all", but a personalized experience.
