Do you?

[GuyYoga]

Hey guys.

I'm curious how many of you practice stretching and breathing exercises (or yoga-like activity) on a regular basis. This forum is about the mind/body connection, and I've discovered how important a regular practice is for me.

Through increasing my understanding of breath and breathing techniques, I have been able to stabilize myself in some rather challenging situations. Some of this stabilization came before I knew it was supposed to. It seemed to happen automatically when a challenge came. I reacted with a calm and centered focus. (Don't get me wrong, I can still be thrown for a loop now and again!) Like one who studies martial arts, we can train ourselves to react to challenges in ways that keep us balanced and will lead to the highest good.

The breath is the first line of connection between the mind and the body. When we take control of our breath with mindfulness, we can lead our bodies in whichever direction is most beneficial. There are breathing techniques to energize as well as calm, breaths that balance, and techniques that increase our physical and mental awareness.

A slow, deep and steady breath in and out though the nose helps restore a sense of stability and calm. This is an excellent way to counter the stress response. The body's wisdom already knows that a deep breath calms, and in stressful situations often tries to jump start this stress buster with an automatic (and often quite deep) sigh. Get the hint and take a few more deep and steady breaths when your body gives you this strong hint.

Okay, enough for now. Let me know if breath awareness has made a difference in your life.

[Kaiser]

Short answer: it has been beneficial; I mostly use the breathing exercises as necessary. I don't make as regular a habit out of them as I probably should.

Here is the audio CD I used to learn different exercises. The relaxing breath is probably my favorite...works every time. Because of learning about the breath, I am very aware of my breathing patterns and I think that I have made deeper diaphragm breathing more of a habit.

Stretching? Always. I know Brian G. and Bill will have a problem with it, but I seem to need to stretch more as I get older and so I'll follow a regular stretch regimen in the shower in the morning as well as post workout, and if I've had a particularly tough workout, I'll break out the Homedics massager and work myself over pretty good. I find it definitely leaves my muscles feeling more refreshed the next day. Probably just blood flow and waste product removal.

Bryan, do you know much about stretching/massage and the lymphatic system? Seems to be a hot topic I keep reading about these days.

[GuyYoga]

Hey Kaiser - thanks for the question. I've had A&P for my yoga certification, and have ongoing study at workshops and such. I've encountered a couple of different slants on stretching and the lymphatic system.

As you probably know, the lymphatic system does not have a main pump like the circulatory system, and for the most part relies on muscular action to move the lymphatic fluids (which collect and disarm bacteria and viruses from the body). The larger lymph vessels have a smooth muscle layer that constricts to move the fluids. One-way valves keep the flow from backing up.

Stretching is especially good for assisting the return of lymphatic fluid from the extremities to the nodes and nodules. The fluid is then processed in the lymph nodes where macrophages and plasma cells process and disarm bacteria and other foreign materials. The fluid then enters into the bloodstream, carrying with it antibodies for the menace du jour.

Though 1:
Stretching, massage and yoga is great to assist the movement of lymphatic fluids, in turn, keeping the body operating at maximum efficiency.

Thought 2:
Stretching (and massage) is NOT good when the nodes are swollen, or pathogens have entered the body, because the movement can cause the nodes and nodules to prematurely release bacteria and other pathogens into the bloodstream before processing is complete.

I have a massage therapist friend who always encourages strong hydration after a massage. Since massage causes lymph nodes to release fluids, increased fluid intake facilitates the cleansing function of the blood and kidneys.

So there you have my yoga take on the lymphatic system and stretching and such. I haven't read anything about it recently, and I'm not aware of any front-line thoughts about it. Have you incountered any information that would shed light on what I've shared here? Let me know!

I also have some thoughts on tendons, range of motion and aging, but that will have to be in another post.

Here's hoping you have a healthy and efficient lymphatic system!

[sarah]

I'm actually contemplating throwing some Yoga into my workout regime, just to mix things up. I never stretch, ever. I'm not against it; I guess I'm just lazy. I should probably change that, huh?