TIGHT HAMSTRINGS MAKE BREATHING TIGHT
from The Blue Mountains Gazette
“Engineers use the term “form governs function” in reference to their constructions and osteopaths adhere to the teachings of the founder of osteopathy, A.T.Still, with “structure governs function” in relation to the skeletal structure of the human body” explains Jennifer Harris of Buteyko Breathe Easy.
“It is the same with breathing. “Structure governs function”. If the achilles tendons are tight they pull on the hamstrings which in turn pull on the tendons of the groin area and so on up the body eventually hindering the healthy function of the diaphragm. If you slouch forward you scrunch up your middle and by rounding your shoulders you will also prevent your diaphragm from working efficiently. Such postural deviations have a disastrous affect on breathing. This is another good reason to exercise and, in particular, to stretch regularly. Yoga, ballet, Pilates, swimming and Tai Chi are all wonderful ways to stay limber and to help promote a stable, relaxed posture that will help engender healthy breathing.
If the posture is poor the body struggles to compensate to keep functioning as normally as possible. For example, it is not only hard to breathe well, among other important bodily functions; it is hard to digest well. This all brings stress to the body. All stress causes negative changes in the breathing.
The breathing and stretch Pilates classes which I teach in Hazelbrook are designed to improve all over health by synchronizing breathing and movement for every day living. I welcome all new students over 15 at any time through out the year”.
If you have any questions about achieving better health through better breathing or wish to incorporate healthy breathing with Pilates or singing lessons phone Jennifer Harris BIBH FATD on 0414 833 857 or visit Jennifer’s website at www.pnc.com.au/~breatheasy or email breatheasy@pnc.com.au