Breathing for Health

Introduction

Controlled deep breathing can help you relax, reduce stress, and improve your overall health. Controlling your breathing can also help you gain control of your mind, and is the foundation of many healthy disciplines such as yoga, tai chi, and meditation. O n the Web site below, you will learn the history of deep breathing, why it is so good for your body, and basic deep breathing techniques.

Link to explore: University of Iowa – Student Health

http://www.uiowa.edu/~shs/health_iowa/stress/breathing.shtml

• Start at the "University of Iowa – Student Health" Web site.
• Read through the page on stress and deep breathing, taking notes as you go.
• When you are done, answer the questions below.
• Finally, using the information from the link, try practicing deep breathing for a few days, then prepare a short one or two minute presentation about your experience to share with your class.

1			What kind of symptoms can deep breathing relieve?
2			What is the body’s automatic response to stress?
3			Why should you let your stomach expand as much as possible when you are practicing deep breathing?
4			Why should you purse your lips while exhaling during deep breathing?
5			What are the natural mood enhancers deep breathing releases in the body?