Just breathe, but breathe correctly
“Above all, learn how to breathe correctly”
We have been blessed with a very mild winter in Calgary this year – in February, we even had a 20 degree day! Spring equinox arrives on March 20th this year, and brings with it renewed vitality and growth to all living things, including us. Last spring, I wrote about how dry brushing can be an excellent way to detoxify and revitalize our bodies (you can read the post here).
While there are many external things we can do such as green smoothies, infrared saunas or cleanses to detoxify, our bodies are designed with an internal feature (like a self-cleaning oven!) that allows us to remove toxins on a continuous basis – our breathing.
Why is detoxification so important? Removing toxins from our bodies allows us to increase our energy, can strengthen our immune systems, and keeps us healthy. Detoxification occurs through five of our organs: liver, colon, kidneys, lungs, and skin.
Joseph Pilates wrote in great detail about the last two in Return to life, by explaining how proper breathing and dry brushing removes unwanted toxins from our bodies.
“To breathe correctly, you must completely exhale and inhale, always trying very hard to “squeeze” every atom of impure air from your lungs in much the same manner that you would wring every drop of water from a wet cloth” (Return to life, p 13).
Here are five ways the Pilates breath detoxifies:
By breathing as Joseph Pilates instructed, all impurities are removed via our lungs. Carbon dioxide is released with each exhalation. Exhaling completely (until you have no air left to squeeze out) allows the inhalation to naturally happen, filling our entire body with fresh oxygen.
The second major theme discussed in Return to Life is circulation. With freshly oxygenated blood circulating throughout our bodies, all of our tissues, organs, muscles are nourished with nutrients, and toxins and debris are carried away with a healthy blood flow.
Going hand in hand with blood circulation, deep breathing stimulates our lymphatic system. The lymphatic system relies on movement to move lymph fluid throughout the body, and is responsible for picking up and carrying away toxins. By combining our breathing with movement during Pilates exercises, toxins can be eliminated.
Pilates breathing generates heat in our body, and creates an “internal shower” as Pilates called it. As freshly oxygenated blood is distributed to our extremities, our body temperature also rises, allowing the pores of our skin to open and release impurities and toxins out through our sweat.
Lastly, using the Pilates breath to calm the mind allows us to stay in the moment and listen to what our bodies are telling us. Are you aware that one of the most toxic things in our bodies can be our thoughts? As our breath deepens, our nervous system calms down and we are able to focus inwards. Negative and toxic thoughts are replaced with positive thoughts as our minds and bodies connect, and move us towards the Pilates ideal –
“not mind or body but mind AND body!” (Your Health, p. 118)
Have you noticed any positive effects by practicing Pilates breathing? Do you use it outside of your Pilates workouts? I would love for you to share below, and share this blog post with the Pilates enthusiasts in your life.
xo,L
Disclaimer: The content of this blog is for informational purposes only, and is the sole property of Flow Pilates & Wellness. I am not a doctor or a registered dietician, and this blog’s content is not intended as medical advice. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding your exercise routine or diet. The content of this blog may contain links to other websites. Flow Pilates & Wellness is not responsible for the privacy policies or practices of any third party.