Ep. 33 | The Power of Breathwork with Sachin Patel, DC, FDN
Ep. 33 | The Power of Breathwork with Sachin Patel, DC, FDN
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Welcome to the What the Gut Podcast blog! Here, we provide actionable insights and tailored lifestyle strategies designed to help you navigate the complexities of health while managing the demands of daily life. I’m Alison, your host and a holistic health and wellness coach. In this space, we'll explore practical solutions to common health hurdles and delve into fascinating topics like breath work. Today, I'll summarize a recent episode featuring breath work expert Sachin Patel, who shares his insights on the profound impact of breathing on overall health.
The Importance of Breath
Imagine giving someone the most perfect supplement products addressing all their needs. If their breathing is dysfunctional, they won't utilize those nutrients effectively, especially if they're constantly in a fight-or-flight state. This sets the stage for our deep dive into the crucial role breath plays in our health.
Meet Our Guest: Sachin Patel
Today, we’re thrilled to have Sachin Patel on the podcast. Sachin is a functional medicine practice success coach, speaker, author, breath work facilitator, and plant medicine advocate. He is convinced that the doctor of the future is the patient. He has committed his life to helping others raise their consciousness and activate their inner healing potential through lifestyle changes and breath work.
Breath work and Digestive Health: Making the Connection
Allison: So, Sachin, tell us about the connection between breathing and digestive health.
Sachin: When we breathe properly, we activate our parasympathetic nervous system, which governs our body's rest, digest, and repair processes. This optimal state ensures proper blood flow to our digestive organs, promoting efficient digestion, detoxification, and nutrient absorption.
Understanding Breath and Digestion
The autonomic nervous system regulates many unconscious biological processes, including digestion. Proper breath can bridge your body's unconscious functions, enhancing digestion, immune response, and detoxification. For instance, short, shallow breathing, often linked to stress, can lead to constipation, the most connected GI symptom to chronic stress.
Practical Breath work Techniques
Physiologic Sigh Technique
Place your tongue on the roof of your mouth.
Take a deep breath into your belly.
Further expand your lungs with a little extra breath.
Hold while squeezing your pelvic floor.
Release with an audible sigh.
Repeat for a few minutes to shift from a stressed state to a more relaxed one. This technique can be more effective than mindfulness meditation in lowering stress levels.
Personal Experiences and Testimonials
Allison: I find it fascinating how breathwork can lead to such profound changes. Could you share some personal stories or experiences?
Sachin: Absolutely. Transformations are not just for our clients but our own families as well. For example, my son had dental issues linked to dysfunctional breathing. Working on this changed his health trajectory. Personally, a guided breathwork session allowed me to heal deep-seated traumas and shifted my entire perspective on holistic health.
The Impact of Mouth Breathing
Mouth breathing, especially at night, can lead to numerous health issues, including cavities and sleep apnea. Ensuring proper nasal breathing, even through techniques like taping the mouth at night, can drastically improve overall health and reduce anxiety.
How Should We Breathe?
Your breath should match your activity:
Coherence Breathing: For calm activities, breathe with a count of six in and six out.
Active States: Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth.
Intense Activities: Use short, sharp breaths to fuel your muscles.
Rest and Sleep: Lengthen your exhales to promote relaxation.
A Comprehensive Guide to Breath work
For those eager to dive deeper, Sachin offers a comprehensive guide to various breath work techniques tailored for different scenarios—from panic attacks to better sleep. This free resource includes valuable exercises and is a cornerstone for anyone interested in mastering their breath for better health.
Next Steps
Thank you for being a part of today's enlightening episode. If you're interested in further exploring the power of breath, visit Sachin’s resources and start integrating these powerful techniques into your daily life.
Stay Connected
For further details and to access Sachin's free breath work resources, visit Breathwork with Sachin. Let’s continue to empower ourselves and create a path to holistic health, one breath at a time.
Connect with Allison:
Instagram: @allison_and_wellness
Facebook: allisonandwellness
Website: www.allisonandwellness.com
Connect with Sachin:
