Monday Health Tip - Scientific Reasons Why Deep Breathing is Good for You

Sometimes we face circumstances that force us to just take a deep breath and relax. Just breathing deeply for a few minutes helps us to slow down and think better. The practice of Yoga has created a more increased awareness of the therapeutic value of controlled breathing techniques. Pranayama maybe an age-old Indian practice but it is immensely useful in managing stress and related disorders.

I read an article today related to deep breathing that I'd like to share with you all. It is especially interesting because the author lists out scientific explanations for why deep breathing is good for you, to the extent of altering your genetic expression. If you have read my post on how you can change your genes, then you know what genetic expression means. If you haven't read it yet, then click on the link and do read it!

Here's an excerpt from the article written by David DiSalvo:

5. Changing Gene Expression.

Another unexpected research finding is that controlled breathing can alter the expression of genes involved in immune function, energy metabolism and insulin secretion. The study uncovering this finding was co-authored by none other than Herbert Benson himself, some 40 years after he brought controlled breathing into the spotlight with his book.

And this isn’t the first study linking controlled breathing to changes in genetic expression. Benson was also involved in a 2008 study indicating that long-term practice of the relaxation response results in changes to the expression of genes associated with how the body reacts to stress.

You can read the full article here on the Psychology Today website.