Hi Jimi, Does this surprise you? The very act of breathing has roots buried deep in millennia of cultural wisdom and scientific exploration. Today, we're unearthing the age-old secrets of breathwork and its impact on your mental and physical states. Oh, and stick around to the end of this email for a fantastic opportunity to join a free webinar - Breathing For Energy. A Glimpse Back in Time The ancient yogis knew it thousands of years ago. They practised Pranayama, the art of controlled breathing, to enhance physical and spiritual well-being. (1) Elsewhere, in the same era, Chinese Daoists used "Qi Gong" breathing exercises for healing, longevity, and higher consciousness . (2) Fast forward to the early 20th century, Russian scientist and Nobel laureate Ivan Pavlov discovered the "relaxation response." He noted that certain deep, slow breathing patterns could stimulate relaxation and counteract the effects of stress. (3) Pavlovian reflexes - not just for dogs ! The mid-20th century saw the rise of the "Holotropic Breathwork" by psychiatrist Stanislav Grof. He used rapid, deep breathing to induce a non-ordinary state of consciousness, leading to self-exploration and healing. (4) Modern Research: What Science Says As you can see, brilliant human minds have been harnessing breath for health for the longest time. And a burgeoning body of research in the past few decades has illuminated the profound impact of conscious breathing on mental and physical health. (5) Controlled, rhythmic breathing has been found to lower stress levels, enhance cardiovascular health, improve physical performance, and even sharpen focus and cognitive function. (6) Studies have even shown that it influences the neural networks in the brain, resulting in a cascade of positive physiological responses. One particularly exciting study found that yoga (including specific breathing exercises) could improve symptoms and pulmonary function in patients with asthma, emphasizing the potent link between breath and energy. (7) Breathe It Out At Home Now, armed with centuries of wisdom and cutting-edge science, it's time to harness the power of your breath. Ari Whitten, renowned health expert, has devised a free webinar titled Breathing For Energy. Ari's 10-minute exercise, when practised regularly, can double your energy levels. It's an amalgamation of time-tested techniques and the latest scientific insights, crafted to unlock your breath's potential for boundless energy and wellbeing. No matter how you approach your health, I wish you easy breathing and fair wind to carry you through the difficulties of life. Here's to breathing deep and easy, |