Holistic healing

Alternative therapies: Breathing techniques to improve your health

Want to banish stress and achieve long-lasting and vibrant health? Try these powerful holographic breathing techniques from expert Martin Jones

Want to banish stress and achieve long-lasting and vibrant health? Try these powerful holographic breathing techniques from expert Martin Jones
Holographic breathing is a simple breathing system with incredible results, according to its creator Martin Jones. A top tai chi expert, Martin developed the unique breathing technique after he became ill with Lyme’s disease. During his recovery he started fine-tuning his breathwork exercises and credits them with helping him on the road to recovery.

“In holographic breathing, the vital energy of the breath naturally increases and you start to feel the breath in a profound way through the whole body,” says Martin, who believes the breathing helps us connect to a higher energetic power.

You can use this healing technique in all areas of your life including stress-reduction, meditation, yoga, fertility, birth, asthma and TMJ problems to name just a few. To make a start, try the following simple introductory exercises below.

THE BASICS

There is a simple structure to holographic breathing which is:

The lips are closed and the breath is through the nose.
The upper surface of the tongue is on the roof of the mouth.
On the in-breath the jaw gently opens and on the out-breath the jaw gently closes.
The movement of the jaw is small –about 2mm or half the width of your finger.

Says Martin: “Remember – it is important to learn the different components correctly otherwise it won’t work. It may feel a bit awkward at first. If this feels difficult is try doing it more softly, more slowly or with smaller moves – like tai chi of the mouth and breath!”

Your first exercise

Have your eyes closed.
Have your lips closed and move your jaw up and down in a relaxed way.
The movement of your jaw is small – about half the width of your finger
Sometimes at the beginning there can be a tendency to open your lips as your jaw opens, but it is only a small motion of the jaw and you should be able to keep your lips closed through the whole movement. It’s like gently chewing, generally when eating your lips are closed and your jaw’s moving.
As you are doing this movement also be aware of your breath through the nose.
Let the movement of your jaw be gentle and relaxed.
Then place the upper surface of your tongue on the roof of your mouth, the tip should be touching or close to the front teeth.
Only put as much of the upper surface of the tongue on the roof of your mouth as feels comfortable, maybe about an inch.
Relax the tongue in this position.
Relax the whole face, then the back of your body
Do this for about four minutes.

MORE INFO

To download the complete free audio, video or text versions of the holographic breathing seminar go to holographic-breathing.com or contact Martin at lotusmoonuk@yahoo.co.uk

Top Tip

Herbal teas like chamomile and the ‘relaxation’ teas which usually contain several herbs are an easy way of calming down as you go through the day and before going to bed. They have plenty of health benefits too and are much better for you than endless cups of coffee!

4 more ways to BEAT STRESS

Affirmations

First of all decide on the affirmations that will help to lower your stress levels. This could be as simple as a mantra of, ‘I am completely stress free,’ to a more specific affirmation such as, ‘My teenage stepdaughter will not ruin the weekend for me.’

Then find somewhere quiet and comfortable such as a warm bath to relax in. Close your eyes and imagine any anxieties washing away from you. Concentrate on your breathing and count four breaths in and four breaths out. Feel your muscles relax as you breathe in and out. As you continue to relax, repeat your affirmations over and over again in your mind until any other thoughts are nudged out of the way.

Flower remedies:

Try the following for stress-related issues:

Aspen for anxiety.
Centaury for when it’s difficult to say no to people.
Elm for when you feel overwhelmed.
Mimulus for when you feel nervous.

Aromatherapy

Try these essential oils to help you relax:

All Spice – ideal to ease nervous tension

Lavender – suitable for stress headaches

Cedarwood – to relieve all stresses

Bergamot – for anxiety and stress

Reflexology

The solar plexus retains a lot of stress so try massaging the pad below the thumb on the palm of your hand, which represents this area. If you find yourself getting stressed you can massage your hands wherever you are – even in the supermarket!

Herbs

The following herbs help combat mild tension:

St John’s Wort for low level depression

Valerian helps aid sleep

Passiflora calms nerves and anxiety.

Avena sativa (oats) is a good stress reliever so

porridge and oaty breakfasts are good to eat during

stressful periods.