Breathing allows us to eliminate toxic carbon dioxide from our bodies while supplying our heart and lungs with oxygen that is necessary for cellular respiration and the generation of energy necessary for an organism to function. Cellular respiration is the process of using glucose (from food) and oxygen (from breathing) into a high-energy molecule known as adenosine triphosphate (ATP) which is usable by cells. We breathe so that oxygen is able to penetrate the depths of our lungs and enter the bloodstream so that it is available for the cells to use to generate energy.

Breathing is a fundamental process of the body. Naturally, it is an involuntary function that is controlled by the autonomic nervous system. However, respiration itself is an active process since it requires the contraction of thoracic (chest) muscles such as the external intercostal muscles and the diaphragm (lower band-like muscle of the respiratory system). As multicellular organisms we have conscious control over our skeletal muscles, and thus we are able to exercise control of our own breathing regardless of the body’s involuntary capability to breathe on its own.

Any system where there is a constant exchange of matter and energy from the surrounding environment is called an open system. This makes the human body itself an open system because there is a continuous input of essentials such as oxygen and water as well as output of carbon dioxide and waste. Essential inputs and outputs also include the body’s specific responses (via afferent neurons) to stimuli (as perceived by sensory neurons).

The human mind is like an iceberg with three distinct realms: the conscious, subconscious and the unconscious. The three realms have different contents and different roles. The structure of the mind gives rise to an important question:

Which of the three realms of the mind is critical for our mental health?

A rapid answer from the top of our heads to this question is of course the conscious. Isn't our  mental health dependent on the state of our conscious mind?

When we promote the technique of deep breathing at the community level, it leads to individuals who are at peace within. Peace within leads to peace without. Indivdual wellness leads to community wellness. Individual behaviour leads to crime free community. Individuals with learning ability creates communities with awareness and prosperity.

All communities need to invest to gain these benefits is to create a culture of deep diaphragmatic breathing.

And this is not a big investmen considering the potential benefits!

SHEN Centre for Health and Wellness is focused on a simple technique the regular use of which helps an individual up regulate our neurological control for self development, self management, general health and wellness including physical health, mental health, learning ability, social behaviour and achievement. The technique has the potential of helping us achieve any life goal we set for ourselves, It costs no money, has no side effects and needs no prerecquisites. Anybody can use it. It promises benefits all around.