Just Breathe

Breathing is a vital source of energy. We can live for several weeks without eating any food, several days without drinking fluids but we can only survive a matter of minutes without breathing air. The human body is designed to release 70% of its toxins through breathing. The other 30% is discharged through sweat, urination and defecation. If you're not breathing efficiently to rid yourself of toxins, other systems of the body, such as your kidneys, must do the extra work. The skin is the body's largest organ and needs life-giving oxygen to look vibrant and healthy. When deprived it must take over helping to eliminate toxins from the body.

You might think that aerobic exercise would supply enough fresh oxygen to your system to keep it healthy. Although vigorous exercise is extremely beneficial it actually burns up the oxygen as soon as it comes in. By practicing deep breathing exercises you are nourishing your body and receiving therapeutic benefits that aerobic activities don't provide. After teaching breathing exercises to a woman with emphysema she suggested I write a book because the exercises gave her more relief than anything she had ever tried before.  Stress causes shallow breathing. The fastest way to de-stress is to breathe deeply. It is physiologically impossible to breathe deeply and feel stressed at the same time. Therefore, you can immediately change the way you feel by changing the way that you breathe. Breathing consciously is an integral part of a balanced life. It is a way of connecting the mind with the body and living in the present moment.

Our Satori Fitness classes always start with vigorous deep breathing exercises. We offer these classes on Mondays at noon and Wednesdays at noon and 5:30 in the evening. Once you learn these exercises you will have a way to energize yourself in five minutes!

Breathe deeply,

~ Carol

The Benefits of Massage

Massage doesn’t just feel good, it’s good for you!  Research studies done at the University of Miami School of Medicine Touch Research Institute have documented many significant benefits of massage:

·         Alleviates pain

·         Reduces stress

·         Improves immune function

·         Facilitates healing

·         Increases job performance

Massage has been shown to have a beneficial  effect on key systems in the body, particularly the nervous system, levels of neuroendocrine substances, connective tissue, and circulation.  These directly affect our “fight or flight” stress response, and the release of important chemicals such as cortisol (also known as the stress hormone) and serotonin.  This is why massage can help us relax, improve our mood, sleep better, think more clearly, and so much more.

So, why wait to feel better?  Treat yourself to a good massage this week…you’ll be glad you did.