Relax and Unwind with Bone Breathing Exercise

20 Sept

Written By Cliff

Here at Osteo Studio, I like to help my patients help themselves by covering different strengthening, stretching and relaxation exercises as well as Osteopathic treatments.

Bone breathing is my favourite relaxation/breathing exercise, which I first learned about in a book by Michael Gearin-Tosh, a man who survived a particularly serious form of cancer against the odds. I’ve talked about the importance of relaxation and breathing exercises in a previous blog where I cover the tangible physiological benefits backed up by scientific research. In a nutshell, relaxation and breathing exercises activate the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing stress hormones like cortisol and lowering heart rate and blood pressure. Studies show that slow, deep breathing improves emotional regulation, enhances focus, and decreases anxiety by influencing the vagus nerve and improving oxygen exchange, promoting overall mental and physical wellbeing

I really like this exercise because it’s a blend of breathing and visualisation which makes it very hard to think about anything else when you are doing it. It’s almost a form of stealth meditation. I find it so relaxing that I often fall asleep before I get to the end!

Just find somewhere comfortable to lay down on your back, set aside about 10 minutes and follow the instructions below.