Winter 2012 Newsletter – Open Heart Breathing

May 16th, 2012 by Tam Tran

Happy Valentine’s Day!

OPEN YOUR HEART WITH BREATH

Meditation often guides us to breathe deep from our belly. For this Valentine’s Day, I’d like to bring attention to breathing from our heart. 

Our heart is the biggest muscle we have and the epicenter of our circulatory system (to say the least). A healthy, open heart means healthy lungs and diaphragm, and ultimately a healthy body.

With more oxygen flow, fascia tissue is better lubricated and bodily processes are more efficient – this all equates to more energy! What’s more, our chest may feel less compressed as our back and neck pain subsides. Suddenly, it doesn’t matter if it’s cold outside because we’re all warm and fuzzy inside!

Image from “The Fascia,” by Serge Paoletti, Doctor of Osteopathy
Above is a great image to illustrate that our heart is the epicenter to support our openness. See how our heart is surrounded by our lungs and sits on top of our diaphragm. Note the multiple layers of fascia that need to breathe and move.

Tam’s Quick Tip - Open Heart Breathing

Anytime, anywhere, and for any duration…my advice, bring awareness to breathing for one minute a day. Then add 30 seconds each following day. Have 10 minutes a goal.

With eyes open or closed, VISUALIZE breathing from your inside out, as if a tiny ball of air is slowly expanding from your heart’s center, filling into your lungs and out through your skin. You may also sense your ribcage expand with your inhale and relax with your exhale.

Take your time with your inhale. To EXHALE, simply let go. Pause. And repeat. Take note of any sensations or feelings you may have.

Other things to help your oxygen flow and nurture the openness of your heart:

1. Add liquid CHLOROPHYLL to your morning drink! - Research studies show that chlorophyll effects include regenerate blood, reverse signs of aging, reverse anemia, and decrease forms of cancer.

2. Remember your SCARF! - A scarf is versatile and light, which may keep the heart and upper body warm and relaxed during your commutes. You can always just unzip the jacket if you need!

3. Have a MASSAGE - NYTimes recently published a research article showing how massage treatments promote circulation, muscle repair and regeneration, and calming down your nervous system. You can rest and breathe well. It’s a perfect time to practice my quick tip for opening your heart.

4. Try ROLFING ® - The first session of the Basic 10 Series, the goal is to increase your capacity for a healthy, normal breathing pattern -  one that uses the correct muscles for respiration to inhale and to fully let go during exhale. Our fascia and other soft tissues rejuvenate and move much more fluidly, allowing for more range of motion in our shoulders and hips. It is truly the first step towards a more aligned, more energetic, and more balanced you!

SHARING PACKAGES AMONGST PARTNERS

I would like to help the love and heart grow by opening packages of massage and Rolfing ® Structural Integration to share between partners. Enjoy!

All in Optimal Health,

Tam Tran 
Founder, T-Square Health