| Blog Entry - Sunday, July 30th, 2006 | Add / Read (6) |
Almost a month of silence and you're all wondering what's going on Libby-land! Well, I'm in the midst of some big changes and news going on, but I'm not quite able to talk about all the things that are going on yet. All in good time. For now, let's just say that I'm busier than I've been in years, happy, healthy, and plowing on.
I am still doing yoga - trying to get to a new studio (closer to the house) 2-3 times per week (still with my favorite teacher, Kay). An article from Yoga Journal's newsletter that I noticed today reminds me of one reason why that's such a good idea for me:
Although most asthmatics are unaware of it, they tend to chronically breathe at a rate two to three times faster than normal. Paradoxically, instead of providing more oxygen, over-breathing actually robs the body of it. Asthmatics do take in more oxygen when they over-breathe; but, more importantly, they also breathe out too much carbon dioxide. This expulsion leads the blood to stop releasing oxygen to the cells and creates the classic symptoms of an asthma attack.That's why learning to control your breath can help you control your asthma. You can practice consciously to avoid over-breathing by slowing down your breath. It's a good idea to practice this everyday, but you can also practice when you feel like you're in danger of an attack. By slowing down your breath rate you may be able to reduce the incidence and severity of asthma attacks.
I can remember the fear I used to feel about my breath - and still do when I get out of breath or start wheezing or feel as though I can't take a full breath. Yoga really has helped me breathe more slowly and mindfully - I use breathing to control stress, pain, and nausea, now, with a fair amount of success.
Anyway, I hope to be able to start posting more regularly again, but it's hard to post when there are things I can't talk about! Hope you're all doing well out there!
Author: Libby Ingrassia
Posted at: 03:44:32 PM
