Breathing deeply massages your lymphatic trunk, increasing lymph circulation. Most of us breathe shallow, using only the top portion of our lungs. When we use our entire lung capacity we …

	Get more blood oxygen exchange – that helps our bodies become more nourished! Actually 80% of the blood oxygen exchange happens in the lower lobes of your lungs. If you aren’t breathing there, you are getting only 20% of the oxygen you could be taking in. It’s free, breathe deep!
	Keep our nervous system relaxed – aahhh a much needed calm. Deep breathing has been shown to reset the nervous system and start the relaxation response.
	Move lymph in the body - that helps to keep our immune system functioning (preventing illness) and helps our body cope with stresses. We all know that is a very good thing!

Fast breathing will give you energy; slow breathing will calm you down. The most important thing is to breathe air into all of your lungs, not just the upper part.

Try it now.

Put your hands on your belly, take ten deep slow breaths. Feel your belly rise and fall. As you breathe out, push the air out of your lungs. Use your stomach muscles and tighten your ribcage to get all the air out. The in breath happens easily and naturally. Fill your whole chest and belly with air. Repeat this process. There is no need to hold your breath, just breathe easily and rhythmically. Imagine breathing beauty, wellness or love into your being. Feel your body draw nourishment from the breath.

To go faster, (after you are comfortable with the slow breathing) start slow and speed up. Push the air out of your body using the stomach muscles. This breath takes longer to become comfortable. Start slow. Begin with five fast breaths, then ten, and build up your strength. You could work up to a full minute. It is great and you will feel very energized! If you feel dizzy, stop. And please, don’t do this fast deep breathing while you drive.

After we breathe, sit quietly for a few seconds.

Once you get comfortable with breathing, imagine that it is not just oxygen coming into your body, but nourishing, loving energy. Life force, Chi, Prana, Spirit, Love – or whatever name you use.