I. Max

We decided to recommend the breathing program ‘Max’ as our way of ensuring that we incorporate the most fundamental of breathing techniques into ‘Breathe’, which is deep breathing. Below is an excerpt from a brief article summarizing the benefits of Deep Breathing as researched and developed by Harvard Medical School by cardiologist Dr. Herbert Benson and a video produced by University Health Network of Toronto further exploring and explaining Dr. Herbert Benson Research.

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RELAXATION TECHNIQUES: BREATH CONTROL HELPS QUELL ERRANT STRESS RESPONSE (EXCERPT)

“Health problems are one result [of daily stress]. A prime example is high blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart disease. The stress response also suppresses the immune system, increasing susceptibility to colds and other illnesses. Moreover, the buildup of stress can contribute to anxiety and depression. We can't avoid all sources of stress in our lives, nor would we want to. But we can develop healthier ways of responding to them. One way is to invoke the relaxation response, through a technique first developed in the 1970s at Harvard Medical School by cardiologist Dr. Herbert Benson. The relaxation response is a state of profound rest that can be elicited in many ways, including meditation, yoga, and progressive muscle relaxation.

Breath focus is a common feature of several techniques that evoke the relaxation response. The first step is learning to breathe deeply.”

FULL ARTICLE 

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