Deep Breaths Really Do Relieve Anxiety

Physiologically, anxiety feels all-consuming. It's complex in its causes, so a simple remedy of slow, deep,  controlled breathing often comes up short in our momentary reasoning. 

But here’s the thing — breathing is actually the very thing that controls our anxiety. A cluster of cells in the brainstems of mammals, known as the “respiratory pacemaker,” appears to regulate our anxious responses by taking cues from the speed and depth of our breathing.

Until recently, the respiratory pacemaker, was something of a “black box” mystery to medicine; scientists knew it was active somewhere in the gray area between the mind and body, but didn’t understand how exactly it worked there.
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​This past spring, Stanford University published a study on the breathing patterns of mice, that  changes all of this and begins to unravel the mystery that has long obscured the relationship between the brain and the physical functions of the body.

We’ve seen countless cultural traditions use focused deep breathing as an essential part of their meditation and wellness practices across history, and now, with a deeper look into the complex functions of the “respiratory pacemaker,” science has the clear evidence to show that deep breaths really are worth the hype.

At One World Wellness, breathwork is a part of everything we do from stretching to postures to meditation ... our studio speciallizes in teaching SunDo, one of the most ancient practices of Taoism. Known for obtaining perfection in breath retention ability, early Taoist practictioners found a way not only to balance the body and mind, they went far further to realize the pure experience of spirit through breathing. 

Although we modern humans may not attain this advanced level, everyone needs to start somewhere! Reducing stress and curbing anxiety can be the first stepping stones on a healing path toward optimal dimensions of wellness. Because of ancient Taoist masters, we now have access to powerful breath practices in stressful times and science definitely confirms it.
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