Breathwork: Alleviate Anxiety

Stress and trauma can cause us to tighten our ribcage, making it more difficult to breathe into our full lung capacity. This has a negative effect on all of our organs (thus, our emotions) and can interfere with proper digestion and elimination.

This simple, lateral breathing technique can help lessen anxiety immediately and will move stuck energy. I recommend a minimum of 3 minutes per side daily, or 5 minutes if you practice both sides at once. This technique literally changed my body's structure for the better!

ONE SIDE AT A TIME: Lay on your right side, put one hand over your left floating ribs, and breathe into the hand, expanding the body laterally. Repeat on the other side. Be sure to avoid creating shoulder tension.

BOTH SIDES: From sitting, standing or laying on your back, place a hand on each side over your floating ribs, and breathe your hands further apart on inhale, totally relaxing on exhale.

TIP: Invite your body to use air pressure instead of muscular force on the inhale and completely relax on the exhale. Take your time, allowing your breath to come to you. No need to force.

Eventually, you will be able to breathe laterally without the support of your hands. This practice pairs wonderfully with back body breathing.