RESPIRATION

“Breath is the bridge which connects life to consciousness, which unites your body to your thoughts.” – Thích Nhất Hạnh

ABOUT

As well as receiving oxygen via the air, our respiratory system also flushes toxins such as carbon dioxide out through the breath. With an average person taking in 20,000 liters of air a day, that is a lot of potential air born waste to filter.[48] While the lungs are well equipped to clean themselves out, chronic injury such as from smoking can reduce their capacity for healing.[47]

Reducing our exposure to environmental toxins such as exhaust, chemicals and cigarette smoke goes without saying, and below are some simple tools to keep you breathing free.

HOW TO SUPPORT YOUR BREATH AND LUNGS

PHYSICAL SUPPORT

BREATH – ONE MINUTE BREATH

There are myriad forms of breathing techniques to detoxify the body.

I do a One Minute Breath practice. Breath in for a count, hold the breath for the same count, and exhale for the same count. The aim is to reach 20 seconds inhale, 20 seconds hold, and 20 seconds exhale, for a full one minute breath.

[44] Joshi V, 2020, Improve Blood Oxygen Naturally |Yoga For Improving Oxygen Level, Dr. Vivek Joshi @ Youtube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=8iWVezSQ1Y8

ENVIRONMENT

A clean home environment doesn’t mean it needs to be spick n span 100% of the time. It does mean reducing excess dust, cleaning with natural organic cleaners, ensuring there is no or minimal molds. Also reducing chemical exposure from things like artificial fragrances and deodorizers. Every bit you reduce in your surroundings is one less thing your respiratory system needs to deal with.

EXERCISE

Power walking, running, swimming, dancing, hiking, aerobics and more. You know the drill. All the things that raise your heart rate, make you puff, and make you sweat, are going to help flush the junk out of your lungs. If you are exercising in a clean environment that is! So get out in nature and enjoy.

NASAL RINSE

A neti pot offers a fast and efficient way to cleanse your sinuses and reduce the pathogens in your airways.

I use a solution of 1/4 tsp Himalayan / Celtic salt dissolved in (ensure it is NOT iodized) in 1 cup boiled filtered water. Leave to cool to skin temperature. Add saline mix to neti pot and use as per the directions on your pot.

For a deeper cleanse you can activate 1 or 2 drops of MMS in a glass. Add the cooled saline mix, and then place in the neti pot for use. It may sting a little bit but that quickly eases. See the MMS segment in Remedies – Supplements for more details.

SALT

Good old common salt is anti-bacterial and anti-fungal, and reduces mucus. As mentioned above it is helpful in a neti pot. You can also use salt lamps around the home to help cleanse the air.

STEAM INHALATION

A simple way to cleanse the airways and your facial skin at the same time. The steam will soften and moisten excess mucus, and the oils will help to clean out pathogens.

Put  boiled water in a large pot, hold your head over the steam, and place a towel over your head to contain the steam. Add a few drops of essential oil if you wish such as eucalyptus or tea tree, or for stubborn mucus use thyme oil. Go gentle with the thyme though as it can be quite abrasive.

I start with 2 drops and slowly add more till I get a bit of a sting in the throat but not so much it burns. Keep your eyes closed while your head is over the steam. Take some deep breaths of the steam, and come out for a breath of fresh air every few breaths. Continue for 5 minutes or so.

NUTRITIONAL SUPPORT

HAPPY LUNG DRINK [45]

LUNG LOVING DETOX JUICE [46]

DIETARY GUIDELINES [42][43][44]

• Avoid dairy as it is inflammatory and can create mucus.

• Licorice – use as a tea, or chew on licorice root. Opens respiratory tract, anti-bacterial.
• Dandelion – Use as a tea or eat the leaves raw or cooked. High in magnesium and iron which helps maintain lung health.
• Carrot – Juice or use in salad. High in vitamin K and anti-oxidants.
• Cruciferous vegetables and sprits
• Green tea, hibiscus tea, leafy greens, berries – high in anti-oxidants and increase oxygen levels to protect lungs from toxins.
• Fasting – intermittent fasting will allow the body to clean itself of toxic residue. A couple of days a month is highly recommended.

ENERGETIC SUPPORT

Suggestions for affirmations you may like to use with kinesiology, meditation, prayer, visualisation, or your favorite tools for personal wellbeing:

STATEMENTS FOR THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

• My breathing is deep, relaxed and calm
• My body easily and efficiently receives oxygen from my breath
• My respiratory system is strong and health

VIDEOS

WHERE TO NEXT?

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