Effective Breathing Technique

Many of us already know the benefits of deep breathing, breath practices and counting breaths. Humans have been using breathing techniques for thousands of years in many cultures and practices to connect with themselves and their higher selves.

In most Yoga practices, breathing is a main focus and the breathing practice itself is named pranayama. In other practices, like meditation, we often use breathing to ‘slow down’ the mind chatter and induce a state of relaxation, prior to deepening our state of consciousness. When we learn to control our breaths and/or focus on our breathing to control inspirations (breathing in) and expirations (breathing out), we also affect many of our autonomic responses; such as heart rate, blood pressure, and others.

Sound outrageous and “woo woo”? Indeed. But these practices have been scientifically studied around the world, and have been shown not only to be beneficial physically, but also mentally for human beings.

For many years, I’ve used a practice that is simple and quite effective when I’m stuck in traffic and find myself cursing other drivers (haha!), or just when I need a pick-me-up late in the afternoon on a long shift in the ICU. When I sit quietly and practice this easy method of breathing, I always end feeling refreshed and more focused, so I can complete whatever task I face in the moment.

Over the years, I’ve also added CKR to my breathing practice, not only because Reiki Energy has been part of my Life and daily routines for over 2 decades, but also because Reiki Energy is highly effective and extremely safe in any situation. Reiki enhances my breathing practices. Reiki enhances every practice in my spiritual realms.

The simple method I’ve used to balance the left and right hemispheres of my brain for decades is a method termed “Alternate Nostril Breaths” or “Alternate Breaths”. The method is simple, and it can be used in any situation at any time. Also, I’ve found it to be highly effective in reducing stress, calming my chaotic emotional responses and helping me feel connected and balanced.

During the last few years, whilst I was highly stressed in the ICU watching patients succumb to death so frequently because of the horrific novel virus COVID-19, I found it quite effective in relieving my stress levels and helping me calm myself after code situations. (These are situations in which the entire healthcare team works diligently on a patient whose heart and/or respirations have suddenly stopped).

This is the method that I’ve been using for decades:

Steps in Alternate Breathing (Use this method at any time ~ if in a vehicle, please pull over to the side of the road or ensure that traffic is completely stopped before using this method. Safety first!)

1. Find a quiet place where you will not be disturbed. (I often use a restroom at work) Quiet your mind chatter as well as possible.
2. Use your right thumb to flatten your right nostril so only your left nostril is open to take in a breath.
3. Close your eyes and exhale fully and slowly through your left nostril.
4. Once you’ve emptied your lungs of air from that left nostril, release your right nostril & flatten your left nostril with your middle finger.
5. Breathe in deeply and slowly into your right nostril now. Keep your breathing smooth, slow and continuous.
6. Once you’ve completely inhaled into your right nostril, exhale through your right nostril.
7. Release your middle finger from your left nostril, and again flatten your right nostril with your thumb. Inhale fully into your left nostril, and then exhale slowly and mindfully.
8. Repeat the full process two or three more times, or as many times as you feel you need to. When you begin to feel calmer and more focused, stop.

You can practice this breathing technique in any situation, but please be mindful not to practice it whilst driving or in any dangerous situation, where you may cause injury to yourself or others inadvertently. Scientific studies and research have shown that practicing this method for at least ten full minutes brings about the most benefits.

Using this method can lower your blood pressure, reduce your heart rate, reduce anxiety and fear and help you feel calm and relaxed. Practice this breathing technique whenever you’re feeling stressed. It has helped me immensely over the years, and I’m hoping it will help you, too.

NOTE: If you have any of the following symptoms whilst practicing this method, please see a medical provider immediately:

• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Vomiting
• Chest pain

Blessings,

Light & Much Love to all!

Article by Reiki Nurse

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Kat is a Registered Nurse, who is also certified in Usui Rhoyo Reiki and Holy Fire® II Reiki at the Master Teacher level. She is also certified in Clinical Hypnotherapy and is a Licensed Massage Therapist.
Kat has always been connected to Spirit, and is currently studying under a world-renowned spiritual teacher & psychic medium. Recently, she trademarked her name to conduct her business “The EnergyVoyant Nurse™”.
Kat was born in New England, U.S.A., and currently resides in Florida. Connect with her through Facebook at www.facebook.com/familysinbook, visit her website at www.kathirancourt.com, or read her blog at www.nurseswithreiki.blogspot.com.