Mindful breathing and breathwork practice can help fight the progression of autoimmune disease by bringing our body back into the calm part of our nervous system, the parasympathetic nervous system. Unwanted stress on the body and mind is a trigger for autoimmune disease activation. In times of stress, our body releases more inflammatory chemicals around the body such as histamine. This process begins a chemical flood in our protection system and the body and brain have to determine what defence system is required to stop an attack on the body. Cortisol is often called the body’s stress hormone. High cortisol is associated with autoimmune disease, poor sleep, hormone imbalance and so much more. Regular breathwork practice will support the balancing of these hormones and provide tools to manage stressful situations in everyday life. Deep rhythmic breathing creates a positive feedback loop by reducing stress lowering cortisol levels, which will in turn reduce gut inflammation. Applying a regular controlled breathing practice keeps stress under control and activates the Parasympathetic (relaxation) response of our nervous system and turning off the Sympathetic (stress) response. This process is integral for our long-term health.

Deep breathing helps detoxify your body, boosts your lung efficiency and promotes a healthy heart. Over 50% of the toxins your body stores are meant to be released through breathing. Through the practice of deep rhythmic breathing, you’re expanding your diaphragm which relaxes the body and massages your lymphatic system which helps the elimination of toxins. This allows the cells to take in more oxygen-rich blood. Because breathwork improves your oxygen capacity, it will allow you to perform physical activities more effectively and efficiently. During Breathwork you will be relying on your diaphragm instead of your chest, inviting your neck and chest muscles to relax and engage your abs allowing a larger amount of oxygen to reach your body’s cells and organs. Deep rhythmic breathing also assists the circulatory system, improving blood circulation, another major channel of elimination and detoxification.  A regular breathing practice will stimulate and increase blood flow throughout the digestive track and improve intestinal activity, supporting the entire digestive process. Breathwork also reduces the uncomfortable symptoms of bloating and gas.