Many people receive acupuncture as a way of relieving stress, anxiety and mood disorders. Practising mindfulness allows us to live in the present moment. Mindful breathing supports us in becoming fully aware of our breath, this in turn helps us to relax further when receiving acupuncture 🙌🏽
Mindful breathing promotes the flow of Qi.
In an acupuncture treatment we gently insert the needle as you exhale, after a period of time we remove the needle as you inhale, we use this technique to tonify. . For reducing or sedating an acupuncture point we do the opposite. Gently inserting the needle as you inhale, and removing as you exhale ☯️
Breathing this way allows the body to be in the best position to promote the flow of Qi. Qi is our life force or energy which can be compared to blood, lymphatic system, fluids and nutrients that allow proper functioning of our organs. As the brain and emotions are greatly influenced by the rhythm of breathing, we can look at our breath work as guiding the flow of Qi.
Mindful Breathing allows The Mind and Body to re-connect.
Often our mind becomes disconnected from what our body is performing, we go through actions without really thinking about what we’re doing. Have you even arrived at your destination, but cannot think how you really got there? It can be quite scary!
In our fast-paced world of technology, I encourage my patients to continue the practice of mindful breathing once the needles are inserted. Doing this brings the body and mind synergistically together, creating a stronger mind-body balance 🧘♀️
Breathing Mindfully engages a regulatory response to the Para Sympathetic and Sympathetic nervous sytems.
What is diaphragmatic breathing? 🤷🏻♀️
Generally diaphragmatic breathing is allowing your rib cage and belly to expand as you inhale. When lying on your back place one hand on your chest and the other on your belly. Breathe in slowly through your nose, pulling the air in deeply to your lower belly. The hand on your chest should remain still, while the one on your belly should rise. Pause, then empty your lungs slowly and longer than your inhale.
Breathing this way helps simulate the vagus nerve and helps regulate the relationship of the para sympathetic and sympathetic nervous system. The vagus nerve is part of the brain and controls the parasympathetic nervous system, which controls your relaxation response. The para sympathetic system activates the commonly known ‘fight or flight’ response. By maintaining this breath cycle you can not only foster a calm state of mind throughout treatment, you can also use breath to influence the flow of Qi and thus promotes health 🌺
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