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Deep, Cleansing Breaths
Your body's natural tendency can help prevent and manage lymphedema

One of the most rarely-discussed secrets to maintaining a healthy body is also one of the simplest: Just breathe.

Now widely accepted in Western medicine, the idea that conscientious breathing has more than one tangible health benefit is nothing new. Ancient philosophies like yoga and tai chi have always emphasized connecting body and mind with the breath. It puts your body in “relaxation” mode, lowering blood pressure. It circulates oxygen to the tissues. It lowers the effects of stress. It aids in better sleep.

It also serves as the natural pump for the lymphatic system:

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“Your cells must have oxygen to survive moment to moment. To thrive, they rely on a complex exchange between the circulatory system and the lymphatic system. Blood flow carries nutrients and ample amounts of oxygen into the capillaries, while a healthy lymphatic system carries away destructive toxins. Proper breathing is the moderator of this exchange.” (1)

Exercise for prevention and management

You can engage the breath through exercise, of course. Carol Crochet, a physical therapist who specializes in treating lymphedema at DeKalb Medical Center in Atlanta, GA, says, “Exercise causes your respiration rate to increase, so you breathe more deeply, and this stimulates your lymphatic system to move lymph fluid throughout your body.” Doing so helps the lymphatic system to perform better in its removal of bacteria and other matter.

Note that if you’ve been diagnosed with lymphedema, your treatment plan, including exercise, should be approved by your physician or an occupational therapist who specializes in lymphedema treatment. (Please also see the accompanying article on Gentle Strength Training for Lymphedema.) But studies are clear that exercise is one of the best ways to manage this condition.

Walking is a natural solution for many people. Yoga classes, low-impact aerobics, and swimming are favorites too.

The good news is that deep abdominal breathing (while sitting! Or even lying down!) can accompany your workout efforts with equally beneficial lymphatic results.

You can breathe more deeply while washing dishes, driving to work, applying your makeup, or sitting in a meeting. Or you can delve into your spirit with time set aside in meditation or prayer -- adding breath work will enhance those practices by connecting the body with the soul.

Count to four

Ready to try? Sit or lie down comfortably, and place your hands on your abdomen. Exhale once, fully, then breathe in while slowly counting to four, feeling the abdomen rise as your diaphragm expands. Pause for two counts if you can, and then exhale for four counts, drawing in the tummy as your lungs deflate. Pause again, aware of your breath. Repeat five to 10 times. Always return to your most natural breathing state if you feel uncomfortable or lightheaded.

It’s best to breathe through the nose, but some people find that even when suffering sinus trouble, a deep breathing exercise like the one described above can help clear passageways and bring comfort.

To assist you with a breathing and meditation exercise, Amoena Life asked Transformational Energy Healer Alice McCall to share her work with us in the form of a podcast. She incorporates toning in this meditation -- vocal notes that correspond with certain energies or chakras. Toning also ‘runs interference’ with your active mind and thoughts, allowing you to stay focused within.

We invite you to open your lymphatic system by clicking here to begin this 10-minute breathing exercise.

>> Start the Podcast
To listen to this breathing meditation, simply click on the link above. If you want to save it to your desktop or an mp3 player, right-click and "Save Target As."  

Alice McCall is a Transformational Energy Healer, Spiritual Counselor, and Inspirational Speaker. She is the author of “Wellness Wisdom” which shares practical information about how she successfully healed herself of breast cancer. Alice’s work covers the entire mind, body, spirit spectrum, including physical and emotional healing. She has worked with a wide range of serious diseases and chronic issues with extremely positive results. She works with clients internationally and domestically via phone sessions. Learn more at www.healingpath.info .

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