The Physiological Sigh
Are you one who sighs when you get stressed? It’s actually a good thing! Whether your realize it or not, your body is looking out for you. And you can actually use sighing intentionally, to your advantage. A “physiological sigh” is a deep inhalation followed by a prolonged exhalation that occurs naturally in the body. It is a reflexive mechanism that helps to regulate the levels of carbon dioxide and oxygen in the body, and it is also thought to play a role in reducing stress and promoting relaxation.
To practice the physiological sigh intentionally, you can follow these steps:
Take a deep breath in through your nose, filling your lungs completely.
Hold your breath for a few seconds.
Slowly exhale through your mouth, taking twice as long to exhale as you did to inhale.
Repeat this process a few times, taking slow, deep breaths and focusing on the sensation of the air moving in and out of your body.
The benefits of the physiological sigh are thought to be related to its effects on the autonomic nervous system, which controls many involuntary bodily functions, including breathing, heart rate, and digestion. When you take a deep breath and exhale slowly, it can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps to counteract the effects of stress and promote relaxation.
Research has shown that practicing deep breathing techniques like the physiological sigh can have a number of benefits for both physical and mental health. These benefits may include:
Reducing anxiety and stress
Lowering blood pressure
Improving immune function
Enhancing cognitive performance
Improving sleep quality
The physiological sigh is a simple but effective technique that can be used to promote relaxation and reduce stress. It can be practiced anytime, anywhere, and can be particularly helpful during times of anxiety or when you need to calm your mind and body. This in conjunction with regular acupuncture, yoga, qi gong, mindfulness and healthy lifestyle can be incredibly powerful tools to help you maintain a balanced physiological homeostasis.
Feel free to set up a session at the clinic with Dr. Shamus to begin incorporating these techniques into your stress management tool box.
