Breathing calms the body #Truth

Dr. Andrew Huberman, has been extensively researching the role of breathing to calm the body’s stress response. A Stanford neurobiologist and host of @hubermanlab a fascinating podcast, his work is shared widely.

We hardly need the research – yoga wisdom has provided us with a wide variety of breathing practices called Pranayama.  Many breathing practices calm the nervous system. Results – oriented data and evidence based studies on people who practice pranayama and yoga inform us that conscious breathing is without a doubt good practice.

To facilitate relaxation of the nervous system, Huberman recommends the physiological sigh, a double inhale through the nose, followed by a long exhale through the mouth.

By double inhaling, you pop open the alveoli (the tiny air sacs in the lungs) to fully take in oxygen, which then triggers a nice long, extended exhale.

That deep exhale will unload a large amount of carbon dioxide, which builds up during stressful times.

I love the simplicity of this practice.  Give it a try – tell me if it works for you?

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