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Inhale, Exhale: The Breath of Life
How many of us truly recognise that breathing is the foremost element of hygiene we should prioritise? Indeed, breathing is the very first action a newborn takes. Following that, they nourish themselves with their mother’s milk.
Thus, our entire lives are rhythmically aligned with this pattern… breathing followed by nourishment. We are confronted with a fundamental and vital physical principle here. Without breath, our lives would cease within mere minutes. The same holds true for animals and plants. Breathing consists of a cycle of inhalation and exhalation. During these cycles, the lungs engage in a gas exchange process.
Upon exhalation, the body expels carbon dioxide from the blood into the outside world, and in the subsequent cycle, the lungs inhale air, which is not just oxygen but primarily Qi. The concept of Qi is crucial here, as you may already know, Qi is present in the blood. The lungs transport Qi within the bloodstream. This Qi circulates throughout the body, revitalising the various organs along its journey.
Letting Go and Breathing
By stepping back, we can give breathing a broader meaning, one that embodies a dynamic process that rejuvenates both our body and mind. Those who embrace the art of letting go, shedding what is unnecessary—be it mental or physical—open themselves up to recharging with balancing emotions. They breathe out the superfluous and welcome the present moment.
In contrast, an individual who remains tethered to regrets, resentment, or fears tied to the past will struggle to breathe freely. Such a person may experience respiratory issues stemming from these blockages. The concept of letting go becomes profoundly significant as it allows one to accept a situation that, by definition, cannot be changed.
This individual returns to the present, reconnecting with their body, thereby enabling a smoother, more fluid breath. In this way, they liberate themselves from an attachment to a past that has become redundant, even toxic, paving the way for new ways of functioning that are rooted in the present and awareness.
The Lungs and the Element of Metal
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, breathing is intricately connected to the Metal element. This element encompasses two vital organs: the Lungs and the Large Intestine, along with the skin.
Poor breathing can have repercussions across all meridians, particularly affecting its paired organ, the colon. The emotion associated with Metal is sadness, which can escalate to depression in extreme cases.
Since breathing significantly influences the flow of Qi, obstructed breathing can lead to Qi stagnation, impacting the entire body and its organs.
Conversely, breathing serves as a powerful tool to enhance both the quantity and quality of Qi absorbed, as well as to promote its smooth circulation. By doing so, we not only improve our overall health but also foster emotional balance.
Here are some examples of conditions that may arise from blocked breathing, leading to an imbalance of the Metal element.
Respiratory Conditions
- Asthma
Asthma is associated with a deficiency in Lung Qi and/or an accumulation of Phlegm. As the Lung is also responsible for regulating fluids in the body, it can be weakened. This can lead to breathing difficulties, wheezing and even coughing.
- Bronchitis
This is linked to an invasion of external pathogenic factors, such as wind-cold or heat in the Lung, which can also be the result of insufficient Lung Qi.
- Pneumonia
Pneumonia results from an accumulation of heat and phlegm in the lung, often exacerbated by a pathogenic infection. The lung is submerged by humid heat, causing severe symptoms.
- Allergic rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis is also associated with a deficiency in Lung Qi, making the body more sensitive to allergens and environmental factors.
Digestive Disorders
- Constipation
This is caused by dryness of the large intestine, often due to insufficient body fluids or stagnation of Qi. Fluid deficiency leads to hard, dry stools that are difficult to pass.
- Irritable bowel syndrome
This is associated with Qi stagnation in the large intestine, often exacerbated by emotional factors such as stress. Stagnant Qi leads to a variety of digestive disorders.
- Dysentery
This is caused by heat-humidity in the large intestine. This condition can be aggravated by infections or inappropriate diet.
Skin pathologies
- Eczema
It can be caused by an accumulation of heat or Phlegm in the Lung or by a deficiency of Lung Yin. The skin becomes dry, irritated, and itchy.
- Psoriasis
It is linked to stagnation of Qi and Blood or internal heat. The skin is affected by imbalances of Qi and Blood, resulting in red and scaly patches.
- Acne
It is often related to heat in the Lung or stagnation of Qi and Blood. Internal heat or stagnation of bodily fluids causes skin eruptions.
- Dry Skin
It results from dryness in the Lung and Large Intestine. A lack of bodily fluids makes the skin rough and dehydrated.
Emotional Conditions
- Sadness and Depression
These are directly linked to imbalances in the Lung, which can affect the Shen (spirit), leading to emotions of sadness, melancholy, or persistent grief.
Nurturing your breath
Although breathing is an automatic process, managed by the autonomic nervous system, it can also be controlled. Which means we can act on our breathing. And it’s in our interest to do so! Everyone knows that, in the event of stress or panic, you should calm your breathing and breathe through your belly.
Singers, martial artists and freedivers all give pride of place to breath control. Yogis have taken the art of breathing to the highest level with Pranayama (breath control, which includes not only breathing but also the notion of qi).
Today, most life coaches integrate breathing, and some even specialize in breathing coaching. Because, yes, breathing better can change your life!
The way we breathe depends on many factors, including of course our environment, our emotions, our diet, our posture…
Breathing is therefore in itself an integrated healing tool. This is why more and more people are becoming interested in the relationship between breathing, spiritual development and health.
Breathing has been taught by many Asian masters for millennia. Breathing improves digestion, relieves stress, boosts the immune system… And above all, it nourishes energy.
Taoist disciplines such as Qi Gong, Tai Chi and meditation are all about making abdominal breathing natural. This improves the functioning and efficiency of the heart, lungs and other organs. Conscious, full breathing maintains emotional and physical balance, eliminating negative energies and promoting good health.
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