There is nothing more alarming to our brain than feeling like we can’t breathe. I have experienced this first hand through years of childhood asthma. Many things can cause breathlessness whether it’s conditions like asthma, allergies, COPD, viruses or stress and anxiety. This time of year with the cold and damp can also be a cause.
With this in mind I’d like to share with you some Chinese acupressure points I have learned that have soothed me and helped me breathe more easily. Please note I am not an acupuncturist and this is in no way an alternative to medication if you need it, it’s just hopefully a helpful addition to what you already have in place.
Lung 1
Just under end of the collar bone, in the soft indent before the shoulder begins.
As you press into Lung 1 and breathe slowly, watch your breath. Notice if it starts to free up a little? The lungs are about letting go. As you exhale, breathe out anything that is no longer serving you. Spend at least 3 minutes here.
Lung 9
Just on the wrist crease under the thumb, on both arms.
Spend about 3 minutes on both sides, still breathing slowly and noticing any shifts you feel in your breath. This point is called “Very Great Abyss”, aside from supporting the lungs it’s a point to reach into the depths of your soul. To soothe, calm and stabilise. In John Kirkwood’s book ”The Way of the Five Elements” he says “Whether you simply want to breathe more deeply or if you want to feel more at ease in your body-soul, Very Great Abyss will help bring you back to yourself.”
CV 17
The centre of the sternum in the shallow hollow. If you bring your hands in prayer, where your thumbs meet your chest is where you will find it.
This point is the same location at the heart chakra. It is a point to connect with the energy of your heart, the resting place of your true nature, your spirit. It helps to breathe more freely, release emotions and to soothe your spirit. It is also known as the Sea of Tranquillity. Spend another 3 minutes or so here.
You may like to end this practice humming out the exhale through your nose a few times. This helps to release Nitric Oxide which helps to open airwaves, take in 20% more oxygen and provides a first line of defence for our immune system as it is anti viral, anti microbial and anti bacterial. Humming also tones our vagus nerve which is the nerve of the parasympathetic nervous system, this helps us to feel calm, safe and open top being socially interactive with other.
I hope you find this practice helpful. I would love to hear any feedback.
In the New Year I will be offering 1-1 sessions to help people with breathlessness through specific breathing techniques. If you would like to find out more please let me know.
