Our Breath is the Link to the Mind-Body Connection

Our Breath is the Link to the Mind-Body Connection

Our mental, physical and spiritual health – all comes down to the quality of our breath. Most people see their breath as an involuntary physiological process that they have little or no control over. While it is the first thing our bodies do when we are born and the last action before our physical body dies, there is a whole life of breathing in between. Every emotion affects the breath, just as managing breaths can affect the emotions, yin and yang in all things. Every respiration affects the body chemistry with hormones that are regulated by the “fight or flight” (sympathetic nervous system) and “rest and digest” (parasympathetic nervous system) mechanisms. Spending too much time in one zone or the other affects the balance of the nervous system, which affects organ functions, affecting the quality of life. Life is all about the breath and quality of it.

“Breath-work” is the new buzzword for mindful management of the breathing mechanism. Actually, breath-work has been practiced for thousands of years in methods from Yoga as Pranayama and its branches of qigong, as practiced through Traditional Chinese Medicine, tai chi and other martial arts.

Yogis and Buddhist practitioners of pranayama have long understood that our breath is an especially appropriate object of focus for meditation. The usage of the breath over other possible options came about, presumably because respiration offers a readily available object to focus upon. Additionally, specific aspects of respiration can be observed as the breath adjusts in particular ways relative to emotions and attention (Wager & Cox, 2009). There are various types of Yogic breathing techniques of Pranayama, each offering differing benefits and goals. A few types would include long deep breathing, individual/alternating nostril breathing, and fast breathing.

With managed and regulated breathing practices (such as pranayama, qigong and others), there is evidence that these practices creates air oscillations which can increase nitric oxide (NO) through the rise in exchange of air between the nasal cavity and the paranasal sinuses. The paranasal sinuses can then produce larger amounts of nitric oxide which increase oxygen uptake. Nitric oxide aids in nonspecific host defense against infections stemming from bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites (Trivedi & Saboo, 2021). Nitric oxide was discovered in 1998 by Dr Robert F. Furchgott, Louis J. Ignarro and Ferid Murad for which they were awarded a Nobel prize. Nitric Oxide (NO) is a molecule that is produced in the nose naturally, as well as throughout the human body. NO has anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial effects. NO is a very strong vasodilator that causes blood vessels to dilate (widen) while also stimulating the certain hormones to be released, such as human growth hormone and insulin. Nitric oxide is also used as a pharmacological inhalant as well for various other ailments (India, 2020).

Our breath is the driving force of the spirit. People get caught up on the word “spirit” and often gravitate towards it being religious in its meaning. I understand (and teach) spirit as being ones self-awareness and further, the awareness that we are not our thoughts but rather the observer to our thoughts. Monitoring and observing our breath allows the individual into the window of their thoughts. Often people will say that they are mad, sad, happy or other emotional states. Really, they are none of these things but rather experiencing anger, sadness, happiness, etc. An example would be when we see something disturbing come about and we can take a few slow deep breaths and then consciously engage our thoughts to think, “NO I’m not going to engage in negative thoughts.” Maybe we change up the environment or conversation thereby making it upbeat and positive. We can consciously change are thought patterns.

The breathwork can be addressed on the physiology level too, to get the conversation away from the religious or metaphysical aspects of being spiritual. In this narrative we can understand that the monitoring and regulating of the breath affects the thoughts which can affect our emotions, which affects the autonomic nervous system and thereby adjusts the blood chemistry and internal organs and their functions, which circles back to affecting our moods and thoughts once again. So really spirit (or self-awareness) can come down to chemistry and how we can use it as a tool to reach our goals, whether of physical, mental or spiritually based.

References:

Wager, K., & Cox, S. (2009). Auricular Acupuncture and Addiction. Elsevier Gezondheidszorg.

Trivedi, G. Y., & Saboo, B. (2021). Bhramari Pranayama – A simple lifestyle intervention to reduce heart rate, enhance the lung function and immunity. Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine, 12(3), 562–564. https://doi-org.northernvermont.idm.oclc.org/10.1016/j.jaim.2021.07.004

India, D. T. (2020, October 29). Nitric Oxide- the Nobel prize winning molecule, can play . . . Dental Tribune India. https://in.dental-tribune.com/news/nitric-oxide-the-nobel-prize-winning-molecule-can-play-a-critical-role-in-the-covid-19-cure-2/

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I write often about topics that affect our health and well-being. Additionally, I teach and offer lecture about qigong, tai chi, baguazhang, and yoga.

For more info, contact Jim Moltzan at info@mindandbodyexercises.com, 407-234-0119 or through my site at http://www.mindandbodyexercises.com

Chiropractic and Naturopathic Medicine – a basic summary

Chiropractic and Naturopathic Medicine – a basic summary

In 1895 Daniel David Palmer founded chiropractic healthcare based primarily on the importance of the physical structure of the human body and its effects on the vascular system. Also, chiropractic was to have emphasis on the manipulation of the spine due to subluxations or misalignments of the vertebrae (Micozzi, 2018). Chiropractors believe that the nervous system’s signals are transmitted through autonomic pathways to the muscles and internal organs. These signals can cause pain throughout the body and consequently should be able to reduce pain by way of spinal manipulation. Chiropractic draws upon other cultures’ ancient “bonesetting” techniques.The allopathic profession was also becoming stronger in the early 1900’s in establishing a monopoly on medical training and licensure. Allopathic practitioners and the American Medical Association began to forcefully oppose the new chiropractic professions well into the 2nd half of the 20th century (Micozzi, 2018). Chiropractic practitioners’ focus has been mostly to treat neuromusculoskeletal issues, including but not limited to pain in the back, neck, and in the joints of the arms or legs. The main philosophies of using drug free methods of manipulation as a means to promote whole body healing has not changed for chiropractors.

The naturopathy healthcare modality formed in the United States around the early 1900’s, with emphasis on disease prevention and treatment by way of pursuing a healthy lifestyle with the body’s own innate healing abilities. Naturopathic medicine seeks to diagnosis and treat the root cause of the patient as a whole being, rather than treating the pieces and parts of the person (Millstone, 2019).

Naturopathic doctors may use a variety of therapy methods such as:

Management of diet through nutritional supplements and medicinal herbs
Acupuncture
Physical therapies (heat or cold therapy, ultrasonography, and massage)
Hydrotherapy (warm-water or cold-water applications)
Mind-body therapies
Exercise therapy (Millstone, 2019)

Naturopathy also follows a Natural Order of Appropriate Therapeutic Intervention, where:

1. Reestablish the basis for health:

Remove obstacles to healing.

Establish a healthy environment.

Address inborn susceptibility.

2. Stimulate the healing power of nature.

3. Tonify and nourish weakened systems.

4. Correct deficiencies in structural integrity.

5. Prescribe specific substances and modalities for specific conditions and biochemical pathways (e.g., botanicals, nutrients, acupuncture, homeopathy, hydrotherapy, counseling).

6. Prescribe pharmaceutical substances.

7. Use radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery (Micozzi, 2018).

Be well!

References:

Micozzi, M. S. (2018). Fundamentals of complementary and alternative medicine (6th ed.). Philadelphia: Saunders.

https://www.hoosiernaturopath.org/blog/taking-steps-two-at-a-time

Diamond, W. John. The Clinical Practice of Complementary, Alternative, and Western Medicine. CRC Press, 2001

Millstine By Denise Millstine, Denise. “Naturopathy – Special Subjects.” Merck Manuals Consumer Version, Merck Manuals, Feb. 2019, www.merckmanuals.com/home/special-subjects/integrative-complementary-and-alternative-medicine/naturopathy.

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I write often about topics that affect our health and well-being. Additionally, I teach and offer lecture about qigong, tai chi, baguazhang, and yoga.

For more info, contact Jim Moltzan at info@mindandbodyexercises.com, 407-234-0119 or through my site at http://www.mindandbodyexercises.com

If you are looking for a reputable chiropractor, contact https://www.holisticwellnessnow.com/

Trust is Earned, and Often Lost

Trust or Faith?

The American people have lost their trust (based on what can be seen from actions) in our leaders and experts. Many have lost their faith (beliefs that can not be physically seen) in people having a moral compass.

Dictionary.com defines ‘trust’ as:

Reliance on the integrity, strength, ability, surety, etc., of a person or thing; confidence
Confident expectation of something; hope
Confidence in the certainty of future payment for property or goods received; credit: to sell merchandise on trust
A person on whom or thing on which one relies: God is my trust
The condition of one to whom something has been entrusted

Dictionary.com defines ‘faith’ as:

Confidence or trust in a person or thing
Belief that is not based on proof
Belief in God or in the doctrines or teachings of religion
A system of religious belief

I often see the daily news, on TV or in print and other specials on the current health crisis, but very few report why people view things a particular way. For example, why are there a significant number of health care and law enforcement workers refusing to be vaccinated and consequently resigning, retiring early or risk being fired? Reports may say that they have lost trust in government or the medical community, but why is this so? Why are licensed and long-experienced doctors opposing vaccine mandates, risking their livelihoods and reputations? One answer is long-term effects cannot be determined in the short-term.

If people are to move in a particular direction that affects the health and well-being of themselves and their loved ones, professionals and leaders need to stop doing things that make some people question these actions. If there is no medical data available yet to support long-term effects of the Covid19 virus nor the relative vaccines, let the public know this and not assume the attitude that people will believe experts if no accurate data is available. I think people would prefer to know the truth even if not good or definitive, rather than feel like the goal post keeps being moved back.

Professionals that have an audience, can start by just putting themselves out there with some transparency, honesty, humility, and empathy regarding these topics at hand. If a physician (Scott Gotlieb) is interviewed as an expert on a particular topic (appearing almost weekly on CBS’s Face the Nation), have them tell their story of being a director for the FDA and now being a board member for Pfizer, instead of people Googling this fact, seeing it maybe as a conflict of interest and then formulating their own conspiracy theory from it. Per the Pfizer investors’ site, Pfizer reported 2021 second quarter revenues of $19.0 billion, and an operational growth of 86%. For those who think that the vaccines were made free to the public, don’t quite understand that Pfizer billed the US government, who then taxes the citizens, who actually paid the $19.0 billion through taxes and loss of other potential investment or purchases.

It is worth noting that Pfizer is a sponsor for the following news media:

Good Morning America

CBS Health Watch

Anderson Cooper 360

ABC News Nightline

Making A Difference

CNN Tonight

Early Start

Erin Burnett Out Front

ABC’s This Week With George Stephanopoulos

Good Morning America’s Weather Report

Today’s Countdown to the Royal Wedding

CBS Sports Update

Meet The Press

CBS This Morning

60 Minutes

Pfizer can be seen as possibly influencing the objectivity of these news outlets, as journalists and reporters might not be as likely to be critical of Pfizer when such powerful companies are spending millions of dollars on advertising during these news shows.

https://www.addictivetips.com/news/who-owns-the-news/

Similarly, if the FDA is going to report that they took 108 days to review documents for licensing of the Pfizer covid19 vaccine and will honor a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request, don’t take 55 years to fully release the information to the group of scientists that made the request. Stop creating the perfect storm of events that will undoubtedly lead to more conspiracy theories and consequently, more of a lack of trust and faith in leaders and experts having a moral compass.

I think the best way that political leaders as well as medical experts can help, is by performing any actions that can help rebuild the trust towards the medical community. Interviews, documentaries, news articles, mailing, or whatever mode of information distribution is embraced, do so with transparency, honesty, humility, and empathy.

Our next healthcare crisis is not that far in the future. I would hope that some have a moral compass that would point towards encouraging people to become healthy and maintain their own well-being before another crisis occurs.

Be well, become healthy, be wise.

References:

Elizabeth Warren tells Scott Gottlieb to resign from Pfizer board (usatoday.com) (Links to an external site.)

Former FDA Commissioner Gottlieb defends decision to join Pfizer board (cnbc.com) (Links to an external site.)

Wait what? FDA wants 55 years to process FOIA request over vaccine data | Reuters (Links to an external site.)

Meet the Santa Barbara Doctor Who Refuses to Be Vaccinated – The Santa Barbara Independent (Links to an external site.)

COVID: Why some doctors and nurses hesitate to get vaccinated | Germany | News and in-depth reporting from Berlin and beyond | DW | 07.01.2021 (Links to an external site.)

Many health care workers are refusing to get a COVID-19 vaccine – CBS News (Links to an external site.)

An Infectious Disease Doctor Explains Why Some Of His Colleagues Are Quitting In The Face Of Vaccine Mandates (forbes.com)

https://www.outkick.com/pfizer-apparently-now-sponsors-everything-on-mainstream-media/

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I write often about topics that affect our health and well-being. Additionally, I teach and offer lecture about qigong, tai chi, baguazhang, and yoga.

For more info, contact Jim Moltzan at info@mindandbodyexercises.com, 407-234-0119 or through my site at http://www.mindandbodyexercises.com

http://www.Amazon.com/author/jimmoltzan

Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) – Brief summary

Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) are probably the two oldest systems of healthcare practiced throughout the world. Ayurveda has its origins in the Hindu religion within India from 5000 years ago. Traditional Chinese Medicine also has origins from thousands of years ago (475–221 BC) but in China. Both systems have been practiced widely throughout the world, with seemingly very little interest in the US when compared to Western allopathic or biomedicine practices. However, TCM has seemed to have gained more popularity in recent years in the US, maybe starting when President Nixon visited China back 1972.

Ayurveda and TCM philosophies believe that all things alive or not, are interconnected and have relationships on various levels with one another. When these relationships become out of balance disease can occur.

Ayurveda is based upon the 5 fundamental elements of space, air, fire, water and earth. Both of these systems use this understanding of the elements as a way to diagnose and treat disease and illness. Ayurveda uses the physical and well-being constitutions of vata, piita and kapha. Similarly, TCM has 5 constitutions of wood, fire, earth, metal and water. The human life force or breath is expressed as prana in Ayurveda and as qi in TCM. Both prana or qi flow within the body, are a key component in maintaining balance of the elements and an individual’s health in regard to their mind, body and spirit.

https://acuproacademy.com/ayurveda-versus-chinese-medicine/

Both systems have components that include herbs, massage, and exercise in order to balance harmony of the mind, body and spirit.

I have and will continue to use TCM treatments and methods to help treat ailments as well as maintain better health and wellness. Less invasive methods as well as more natural ingredients are my main reasons for pursuing TCM methods. I am not opposed to Ayurveda if I had a condition that could be better treated through those methods.

Having a strong background in Korean and Chinese martial arts, which are deeply connected with TCM, I have been exposed to an education that has deep roots in thousands of years in Asian culture, science and practical practice. While some people may look at TCM as an alternative or new age approach to maintaining health, I see a time-proven system that has been practiced by probably millions of people over a very long period of time. When studied and researched thoroughly, I find the methods from TCM of acupuncture, cupping, tuina, qigong, auriculotherapy, herbology and others to make logical sense as to why these options are so beneficial. When looked at from a physiological perspective, I have found the following:

Acupuncture & Auriculotherapy – stimulates the healing response through regulation of the nervous system.

Cupping – increases blood and lymph circulation in localized areas.

Tuina – increases blood, lymph circulation and disperses adhesions in the fascia.

https://wsimag.com/wellness/55240-tuina-chinese-manual-therapy

Qigong – regulates the autonomic nervous system through deliberate deep breathing patterns, as well as some styles offering flexibility, strengthening and vestibular balance exercises.

Herbology – helps to manage systemic organ function through naturally occur plants without use of pharmaceuticals.

Be well!

References:

“What is Ayurvedic Medicine?” National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (2007). 30 August 2021.

Diamond, M.D., J. W. (2001). The Clinical Practice of Complementary, Alternative, and Western Medicine [E-book]. CRC Press.

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I write often about topics that affect our health and well-being. Additionally, I teach and offer lecture about qigong, tai chi, baguazhang, and yoga.

For more info, contact Jim Moltzan at info@mindandbodyexercises.com, 407-234-0119 or through my site at http://www.mindandbodyexercises.com

Where the Rubber Hits the Road – Personal Responsibility

Personal Responsibility

We are here…right here where the rubber hits the road.

When the action really begins, is when you begin the job, when you really get serious.

So the question I have is, how serious are you folks about doing anything? Likes and smiley faces are nice, but really don’t make us healthier, more fit or more connected.

None of us really have “extra” time but rather “make” time for what we prioritize in our lives. True is true, either we walk the talk, or we talk the walk.

Talk is cheap, time is priceless.

If every person in American spent 5 minutes (or more) every day by exercising, more people could better manage their weight and suffer less from related illnesses.

If every person in American spent 5 minutes (or more) every day calming their mind by practicing deep breathing exercises, more people would be less stressed and suffer less from related illnesses.

If every person in American spent every day becoming more conscious of their nutrition habits, more people would be able to maintain their health through the choices they make while eating and drinking, and suffer less from related illnesses.

If everyone could assume personal responsibility for their own health, our nation would not have to spend as much time, effort, energy and money trying to keep people healthy.

These concepts seem easy enough, but in reality, most people lack the desire or self-discipline to take the effort and do what it takes to stay healthy, prevent illness or cure their own ailments. Self-discipline is one of five steps known to help achieve better mental and physical wellness.

1) Respect – This is where values begin. You must understand and have respect for yourself (self-respect) before you can demonstrate it to others. Taking the steps to take care of your physical and mental well-being effects you first and then those closest to you second.

2) Discipline – Developing control of one’s own desires, commitments, and ultimately your own actions, leads to self-discipline. Control of physical exercises can lead to management of thought and emotion.

3) Self-Esteem – As you review your achievements of respect and discipline, your sense of worth is elevated and appreciated.

4) Confidence – Understanding and accepting your weak areas as well as your stronger aspects removes insecurity. When you feel that you are physically well and mentally sharp, confidence can fill your personality. You can accomplish whatever goal you set out to achieve.

5) Determination to Achieve Goals – The positive sum of the previous aspects leads to one’s determination. Good judgment and focused effort toward positive goals result in true personal success.

Qigong, Tai Chi and Yoga all are methods to achieve these traits.

It doesn’t matter so much that you do these exercises, as much as it matters that you do some type of exercise. Walk, jog, swim or whatever – just get going and do something. 5 minutes here and there can quickly turn into 15 or 30 minutes at one time or over the course of a day. Once you are moving or mentally engaged, it is much easier to stay motivated and try a few more exercises for a few more minutes.

Be well, become healthier, be wise.

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I write often about topics that affect our health and well-being. Additionally, I teach and offer lecture about qigong, tai chi, baguazhang, and yoga.

For more info, contact Jim Moltzan at info@mindandbodyexercises.com, 407-234-0119 or through my site at http://www.mindandbodyexercises.com