What’s in a breath?

We are sustained by a matrix of air.

What we inhale it fills our lungs and contributes to our functioning and to our physical structure. Then, part of our exhale contributes to the function and structure of plants. How profound is it that the internal structure of lungs look like upside down trees?

We are utterly interconnected with this matrix of air. If you don’t believe this, just hold your breath and think about it for a while…

Our air matrix is so often overlooked as a determinant of health. Of our health. Of the planet’s health.

Of course our air matrix is increasingly polluted, with all manner of particulate matter (aka smog) entering us along with the needed gases. We are imbibing many compounds with our oxygen supply. It’s suggested that jogging in polluted cities is bad for your health, because of the deep breaths in of air extremely high in particulate matter. Studies in Canada have definitively demonstrated increases in asthma on “smog alert” days.

Human health and the earths “health” are indivisible. The cleaner the air becomes the better we will all be breathing.

Medical technology is developing to measure a wider variety of compounds existing in the average exhalation. Up to 3,500 different compounds have been identified in peoples breath. The average healthy person’s breath has around 200 different compounds in it, along with the Carbon Dioxide. This illustrates what a powerful organ of elimination the lungs can be.

Breathe out fully and support your daily detoxification.

My favourite 10 second breathing practice is this:
Breathe out fully.
Pause.
Breathe out more – using your stomach and core muscles.
Pause. Release all muscle tension. Open the chest.
Allow the inhalation to enter.

Practice regularly through out the day. Enjoy the relaxation. Support the excrete of those excess compounds.

This is original writing from naturopath Sally Mathrick. Please respect copyright by citing and linking back to www.sparklewell.com.au and help more people throughout the world shine like the stars they are!