Deep Breathing and the Recovery Process

by Anne H. Spencer, Ph.D. (c).1991

Deep breathing is one of the most overlooked and under-used techniques in this day of modern therapy.  Yet it is one of the oldest methods of reducing stress and its side effects:  headaches, tense muscles, rapid pulse, elevated heart rate, knots in the stomach, colds, outbursts of anger, and so on.  The list is endless.

Deep breathing can and will restore balance to the physical and emotional body.  It brings much needed oxygen to the blood and, in turn, to the brain which then sends a message to the body of "all is well."  The body automatically relaxes as well as the emotions that went along with the stressful event.

What I have found with most of my clients and patients is that they have forgotten or have not learned how to use this natural system to their advantage.  Learning how to deep breathe takes practice just like the development of any other skill.  The practice periods, however, are very short; 10 minutes a day.

The following is what I teach my patients prior to surgery so that they can use it both pre- and post-op to aid in their own recovery process.  Surgery is a major stress!

This technique is also of great value for energizing the entire system. It can be used very effectively for persons who are disabled. It stimulates circulation and aids in recovery of lost sensations.

"Sit or lay in a comfortable position in a place that is quiet for this exercise.  Loosen any garments that might be restricting your body and slowly close your eyes. Begin to listen to your heart beat.  Count it by taking your pulse either in your wrist or in your neck next to your Adam's apple.  Feel it.  Become aware of its pulsation's, its rhythm. You are now going to tie your pulse to deep breathing."

With your mouth closed, S L O W L Y inhale to 6 pulse beats.  Hold

your breath for 6 pulse beats.

Open your mouth and S L O W L Y exhale for 6 pulse beats.

Close your mouth and hold your breath for 6 pulse beats.

Repeat this cycle a total of 6 times.

The second exercise is like the first.  With this variation on the first
 
S L O W inhale and S L O W exhale, the right nostril is held closed with

the tip of the finger.  Count 6 pulse beats:  breath in, hold; breath out,

hold.  The second S L O W deep breath, the left nostril is held closed in

like manner.  Count 6 pulse beats as before, alternating nostrils.

Repeat this cycle a total of 6 times.

This particular type of deep breathing helps the body to balance itself within minutes.  It is most important for the patients as their bodies are out of balance or they would not be having surgery.

For those interested in right and left hemispheres, this is an exercise to aid in the development of the subdominant side.  Balance of the hemispheres is important for creative as well as logical thinking.  It is my theory that proper breathing techniques, deep breathing in particular, taught at an early age will potentially lead to prevention of premature physical breakdown of the body and accelerate the learning capacity of the individual.  I leave that to researchers to explore.

The third technique combines what you have just learned with the power

of your imagination.  Please imagine that your body will coil up on your

inhale and uncoil on the exhale, just like a party favor does when blown.

As you practice S L O W L Y the above exercises 1 and 2, I want you

to add this mental imagery.  Imagine and become aware that as the body

coils up, your spine is being lubricated with a special relaxing agent. On

the exhale, the relaxing agent is sent to your entire "healing system."

This allows your entire muscular system to "let go" completely and

relax.  While this is happening the part of your body that is to be (has

been) operated upon receives this healing, relaxing lubricant.  As a

result, the blood cells multiply and all of the organisms respond in a

positive manner.  Your entire body now joins with the mind and

emotions in speeding recovery.

Do this a total of 6 times.

Some of the patients' visualizations have included an oil can, tube of ointment marked RELAX, jar of cream, salve, spray bottle, paint brush, basting tube, or warm sponge.  The beauty of this is that they own the imagery and so it works for them.

This entire deep breathing training allows the patient to take charge of him/herself and to take an active part in the recovery process.  No longer is the patient just a bystander while the physician and staff do all the work.  It truly becomes a team effort.  This involvement is vital to both patient and the recovery process.  Even more important, the patient has learned a way to relieve minor aliments before they become major illnesses.  Perhaps it is the first time that the patient's realized that treatment is of the whole being:  body, mind and spirit.  Responsibility  now has meaning.  Patients find that they have the ability to respond to stress in a way that will affect their future wellness.

Yes, deep breathing is a tool you carry with you.  The next time someone cuts you off in traffic, take a long, deep breath and watch your body return to a normal, healthy state.  Practice makes perfect

Dr. Anne H. Spencer is the president and director of Infinity Institute International, Inc. , a state licensed post secondary school to teach HYPNOSIS as an occupation, in Royal Oak, Michigan.  She is the founder of the International Medical and Dental Hypnotherapy Association.  It is a Referral Service of Certified Hypnotherapists to the Health Care Community and the general public.  For more information you may reach her at:

Infinity Institute
4110 Edgeland, Suite 800
Royal Oak, MI
48073-2285

(248) 549-5594
or call IMDHA at (800) 257-5467