How Breathing Exercises Can Enhance Your Rehabilitation and Overall Wellness
Melissa Wohlberg is an Integrative Health Physical Therapist practicing in Pikesville, MD. Melissa Wohlberg specializes in physical and mind-body treatments to help a patient reduce pain, restore mobility, rehabilitate after an injury, or increase movement and overall quality of life. As both a physical therapist and a... more
Have you ever noticed that when you stop to take a deep breath, you automatically feel more relaxed and present? There are two major reasons for this. One is that the act of becoming mindful of your breathing takes your mind temporarily off your pain, problems, or stress. The second is that a full deep breath stimulates the relaxation response in your body.
Stress affects your breathing patterns which further can create the stress response in your body. Controlling your breath through simple exercises can help reverse this stress response, improve your immunity, and overall health. There is research that proves that these mindfulness breathing exercises make changes at the genetic level as well as can change the structure of your brain. These changes help with all aspects of health as well as decreasing your pain experience and improving motor learning.
Next time you are doing an exercise prescribed by a physical therapist, try taking 5 deep and slow breaths prior to performing the exercise. In addition, extend your exhale while performing the exercise. Notice how your body and mind feel before and after.
For more information, www.Breathefreeptandyoga.com/breath-workshop or email me at Melissa@Breathfreeptandyoga.com.
