Rewiring Your Nervous System
Tapping in to your own PERSONAL SUPERPOWER
I have so been fortunate to work with Monks this last 2 weeks and the power of inward reflection and breath is profound.
Breathing is a wellbeing superpower that does far more than deliver oxygen to our lungs. It can influence everything from heart rate and anxiety to immune function and emotional regulation.
This cannot be achieved simply with a pill or a supplement and is a superpower that can be mastered, if you have firstly the belief and then the will to do so.
According to neuroscientists, when we breathe deeply and slowly, we actively alter the chemical activity in our brain- essentially rewiring it. At differing sound frequencies we also have capacity to engage nervous system channels and chakras that support energy production and vitality.
Today, I am not just writing on Yoga and breath work, but will provide you insights into two valuable studies.These studies underscore the potential of Integrative lifestyle approaches to support physiological resilience, from the inside out.
In a world where stress and inflammation are increasingly common, breath work and yoga emerge not just as a physical exercise, but as a therapeutic modality capable of nurturing both cellular health and emotional wellbeing.
Breathwork involves conscious control and manipulation of the breath whilst meditation is a practice that focuses on awareness, presence and mindfulness using breathwork, and the benefits of both are abundant. From reducing the levels of Noradrenaline (a stress hormone linked to anxiety poor focus, and the “fight or flight” response) to reducing stress and supporting emotional health, breathwork is ancient practice that’s now well backed by science.
When we’re stressed, the brain’s attention networks are disrupted by rising noradrenaline levels, making it hard to focus or stay calm. But with just a few intentional breaths, we can restore balance and bring attention systems back into harmony.
The VAGUS nerve has a large role to play here. The longest nerve in our body, it connects the parasympathetic nervous system to all organs in a most valuable way.
In high-pressure moments, breath work and meditation offers us a sense of control, helping us to navigate the situation calmly whilst avoiding emotional panic.
Purposeful breathing through breath work and meditation helps anchor attention to the breath, supports mindfulness and helps us develop awareness of the present moment by calming anxious thoughts and feelings.
THE BEAUTIFUL QUALITY OF BREATH WORK IS THAT IT IS READILY AVAILABLE TO US AT ANY TIME WE MAY NEED IT.
Breathwork rewires the brain and body by reducing stress and anxiety. Conscious breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system (the body’s natural calming mechanism) by slowing heart rate, reducing blood pressure and bringing down stress hormones.
It also improves focus and mental clarity and supports better sleep, by slowing brain activity and lulling the nervous system into sleep mode.
Valuable STUDIES:
Studies have shown that deep breathing exercises improved decision-making abilities by nearly 50% after just two minutes, making breath work a valuable tool in today’s hyper-connected and fast-paced world.
Naderi et al, 2022.
4000 IU of vitamin D per day and the practice of Hatha yoga style for 12 weeks, twice a week, led to a significant decrease in Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 levels (pro inflammatory cytokine) and a significant increase in IL-10 (anti inflammatory cytokine) . This demonstrates profound shifts in inflammatory markers though yoga, breath and Vitamin D status alone.
Sinha et al. 2007 offered compelling insight into the measurable benefits of yoga on the body’s antioxidant defense system.
Over the course of the 12-week intervention, participants who practiced Yoga experienced a significant increase in reduced glutathione (GSH) levels and a notable improvement in total antioxidant status (TAS), compared to control subjects.
These changes reflect a meaningful reduction in oxidative stress—one of the underlying contributors to cellular aging and chronic disease. What makes this especially encouraging is the simplicity and accessibility of the intervention: gentle, regular yoga practice.
This research underscores the potential of integrative lifestyle approaches to support physiological resilience from the inside out.
Further studies will deepen our understanding however the message is clear. When the body and mind move in harmony, healing potential is amplified.
If breath work yoga and meditation are new to you, consider engaging a trainer or joining a guided Hatha yoga class.
You’ll learn different techniques and discover a variety of ways to:
instill calm and focus on your superpower, like a muscle it needs training
reduce anxiety
gently lubricate your joints
improve balance
improve sleep quality
