Breathe deeply to ease pain
Did you know that slow, deep breathing can lift your mood and even relieve pain? In this video, Barbara Ficarra, RN, discusses the benefits of this simple breathing technique to soothe pain and reduce stress.
Transcript
Hi. I'm Barbara Ficarra with a simple tip to ease pain and stress. Breathe more slowly. [MUSIC PLAYING]
It turns out that deep, slow breathing, similar to what's practiced in zen meditation, can ease aches and pains.
And it could lift your spirits too.
In one study, healthy women were exposed to a heat source that was mildly to moderately painful. The women reported feeling less discomfort
when they took slow breaths compared to breathing normally. To slow down their breath, they breathed about half their usual breathing rate.
The women also reported feeling less stress. Researchers think slow breathing can trigger the parasympathetic nervous system
to induce calm and counter any painful feelings.
So next time you feel pain or just everyday stress, take a deep breath. For more ways to live healthy, watch all our smart tips
right here. [AUDIO LOGO]
lung health
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