Back to Basics with Breath and BEMER Therapy- by Dr. Joshua Berka

Breathing is the first thing we do when we come into this world and the last thing we do before we die. As we age and experience the ups and downs of life, our breathing patterns generally change from functional abdominal breathing or diaphragmatic breathing to shallow and short chest breathing. This fundamental dysfunction is the root cause for many of our aches, pains and pathologies.

As adults, it is important to take a step back and re-introduce proper breathing techniques, such as diaphragmatic breathing, or belly breathing. This breathing technique can slow the heart rate, stabilize blood pressure, and reduce stress levels. The diaphragm is a dome-shaped muscle at the bottom of the ribcage and the pelvic floor is a muscle grouping which serves as a base or physical foundation; both play a structural role in stability and a functional role in breathing. Diaphragmatic breathing is a technique that engages the diaphragm and muscles within the pelvic floor (and all in between).

With each inhale, the diaphragm tightens, allowing room for the lungs to fill fully and the abdomen to expand. When exhaling, the diaphragm relaxes and the abdomen contracts. As we breathe physically, we take oxygen into our lungs, which is then delivered to our cells via microvessels and capillary networks. In turn, the cells (mitochondria) absorb this oxygen and remove waste products like CO2 and acid (H+) that then gets transported back to the lungs where CO2 is exhaled and the acid is buffered and removed from the body through other detox pathways.

So, back to basics.

Blood flow and breathing are intimately involved with one another. How does BEMER fit in? BEMER enhances blood flow by stimulating muscles (vasomotion) within the resistance vessels (pre-capillary arterioles). These vascular oscillations or rhythms are independent of the breath and/or the heartbeat. Vasomotor oscillations ensure the tissues that need the most blood (oxygen and nutrients) are receiving them. We only have about 1.5 gallons of blood within our body and over 20 thousand gallons are pumped throughout our body every day. That blood must be moved or shunted to all parts of the body that need it…and all our blood cannot be everywhere in the body at the same time.

So when you are feeling stressed, tense, anxious, fatigued, foggy, or just downright lousy, go back to the basics and remember to breathe. Slow-Smooth-Deep even breaths calm your nervous system. Add BEMER therapy to bolster your blood flow and keep you in a relaxed but ready state.

Please join Dr. Berka for a discussion about going back to the basics with breath. Learn how BEMER therapy supports your blood flow from within and leads to an outward balanced body-mind.

Medical Monday (intended for licensed and/or certified healthcare practitioners only):
March 11th, 2024 @ 5pm PT
BEMER IBD Event Calendar (teamup.com)

Wellness Wednesday (intended for general public):
March 13th, 2024 @ 5pm PT
BEMER IBD Event Calendar (teamup.com)