The lungs tend to be one of those organs that we don’t think much about, yet the lungs are responsible for getting the oxygen we breathe into the bloodstream that delivers it to every cell in our body. Our breath is our life, and we need healthy lungs for it.
Early signs of lung disease such as asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, lung cancer, etc. can often be overlooked and include:
• Lower energy levels than normal, decreased stamina for exercising
• Shortness of breath
• Decreased stamina for exercising
• A chronic cough
• Discomfort when breathing
• And more
As with most diseases, prevention is easier to come by than a cure.
According to Jennifer M. Ryan, PT, MS, DPT, CCS, a certified specialist in cardiovascular and pulmonary physical therapy, “Lungs at rest and during most daily activities are only at 50 percent of their capacity. Like the rest of your body, lungs thrive on movement and activity. To help counteract the build-up of toxins and tar in the lungs caused by environmental pollutants, allergens, dust, and cigarette smoke, you need to help your lungs cleanse themselves.” (Source for quote: https://www.rush.edu/news/8-tips-healthy-lungs.)
Here are a few tips to help keep your lungs healthy:
• Exercise
• Practice breathing exercises
• Stay hydrated (drink enough water)
• Improve indoor air quality (don’t use artificial air fresheners, use filters to reduce pollutants like dust and mold, clean out your air ducts, etc.)
• Spend time outside, especially around trees but stay away from areas with high pollution.
• Don’t smoke or vape (or spend time around those who do, as secondhand smoke is just as dangerous).
And of course, we can work on the lung reflex during your sessions. Other benefits to your lungs from reflexology include:
• Reducing stress reduces the body’s inflammatory response, promoting natural healing
• Detoxifying the body of pollutants (why you should always drink extra water after a session)
• Supporting the entire respiratory system and circulatory and lymphatic systems as well
• Improved mobility (making it easier to exercise)
• Reduced pain and inflammation (making it easier to exercise)
• Space and time to practice your breathing exercises while your body relaxes during your session
Here’s to your healthy lungs and deep breaths!
Louise Richardson, Certified Reflexologist
Call (813) 965-1697 for your next reflexology appointment.