78 The Complete Home Guide to Herbs, Natural Healing, and Nutritionnatural healing methods 78
- Gently become aware of your breath.
- Gently breathe into your belly or tummy by pushing it out like a bal-
loon and breathing in through your nose. Count one. - Breathe out by defl ating your tummy and exhaling through your
mouth. Relax your jaw and let go. Do this for a count of two. - Repeat for two minutes initially, slowly building up to twenty min-
utes. You can also build up your inhalation time to a count of six, and
your exhalation time to a count of twelve. - Sometimes you may feel a little tired or even dizzy after breathing so
deeply, so take your time and breathe normally for a few minutes
before attempting to move around again.
Exercise and Movement
Some type of exercise is vital. Whether your preference is for football,
swimming, tennis, whatever, it doesn’t matter — just do it!
barefoot walking
Walking barefoot on grass, sand, leaves, or pebbles has a grounding effect
on the body. It helps to discharge static electricity from the body, calming
the nervous system. Those who have tried this when they have been
feeling particularly nervous, excitable, or tired have found that they feel
calmed, rejuvenated, grounded, or, indeed, lightened; it has a very
balancing effect.
dancing
Dancing seems to come more naturally to women who, from a young age,
like to move with grace and rhythm. However, I’m not sexist and believe
dancing is a lovely meditation and joy for all.
power walking
Power walking (that is, walking very fast for sustained periods) is not as
jerky for the body as jogging but is more balanced than running and
easily sustained. Alongside yoga, it is one of the powerful ways of
exercising and moving the lymph system.
yoga
Yoga is a gentle, relaxing way to move the body safely and without strain. It
will provide the body with much needed oxygen through its breathing
strategies and additionally will massage and “exercise” internal organs.