Nay_ho_tze's Medicine Musings

modern science recognizes the benefits of deep breathing and the power of breath work, 

which is why you’ve been practicing,  or trying to practice, deep breathing …

i mean, anyone can breathe deeply, right?  
it’s really just a matter of remembering to, right?

well, yes and no …

it's important to deep breathe properly because it’s not as natural as you think …

assess your skill right now - take your best deepest breath, then  exhale …

now do it once more, only this time, pay attention to which moves more …
your shoulders or your belly?

if you answered, shoulders, then this article is for you …

the main function of deep breathing is to purify the blood –

and in order to create that necessary flush of oxygen into the bloodstream, 

the lungs must first be filled to capacity, down into their deepest recesses --

suffice it to say that the spirit recognizes proper breath 
like a thirsty horse smells the unseen brook ahead

you may notice when you first begin proper deep breathing
that you may suddenly begin yawning – this is natural – 
it is your body’s reaction to having its need of oxygen responded to  - 

the body wants to gulp – remember the horse above?

so, the proper way to deep breathe is thus:
on the inhale, focus on proper diaphragm movement, that is,
consciously push your belly outward to draw the diaphragm downward -
this ensures filling the lungs to capacity, the benefits of which cannot be exaggerated

again, on the inhale push out your belly and fill your lungs -

and then on a slow exhale, shift gears --

see the energy traveling up your spine 
until it reaches the base of the skull - 

now roll your closed eyes toward your forehead,

when done properly, physical energy may be felt vibrating
from the back of your skull to the front exit …

it’s not scarey or distracting – 
it’s really kind of like a quiet, comforting recognition of self --