Wednesday, February 5, 2014

THE POSITION OF COMFORT AND DEEP RHYTHMIC BREATHING

When you do Relaxation Therapy (RT) I have observed the Position of Comfort works best for most people.  It works well because the position, by elevating your legs, takes pressure off your lower back and does stretch the spine slightly.

Whether you lie on the floor or use a chair, as presented in RT instructions, it is most importance you are comfortable.  If you are not, find a position that suits you and proceed to do RT in your own way.  Some people actually sit in their chair, as I often do.  Just be sure your lower back curve is supported so your low back does not slouch into a strained position.

Now you are in the POSITION OF COMFORT and will initiate DEEP RHYTHMIC BREATHING.  While you will engage in Deep Rhythmic Breathing during RT, you can also do it anytime during the day to remain relaxed and to regain your composure when needed.  The more you do it, the more it becomes a tension management skill. Many people hold their breath and do shallow breaths far more than they realize, which actually adds to their tension and stress related responses.

When you do Deep Rhythmic Breathing, focus mostly on the breathing itself and how each micro step in the breathing process has a positive effect, from inhalation to exhalation.  There are no hard and fast rules, but it is useful to inhale through your nose to the count of 4, while also EXPANDING your stomach, and then to exhale through your mouth to the count of 8.  Don’t stop and hold your breath when you come to the top of the inhale.  When you complete the inhale, immediately start the exhale and continue to focus on your chest, your stomach, and how the slow rhythmic breathing relaxes your entire disposition.  The more you practice, the more effective it is.

Pregnant women should not use the Position of Comfort because this is not a comfortable position for them, nor should people with rheumatoid arthritis because remaining is such a position for an extended period of time can cause contractures.  The majority of people will be just fine with the Position of Comfort as presented.

One Veteran I was working with used the MotivAider to remind him to do Deep Rhythmic Breathing every 20 minutes and reports how significant this has been for effective self-management of his overall emotionality. The MotivAider is an interesting and most useful tool developed by Dr. Steve Levinson. You can go directly to his site to see how the MotivAider works and order one if you like.   http://www.motiv-aider.com/
Just so you know, I do not receive any compensation regarding your purchase of the MotivAider.  I recommend it because I know its value for those who want to accelerate desired behavioral changes in their lives.

Remember, you ARE what you think.  You BECOME what you do.

Dr. Ray


 For any of your comments or questions, email me at drray@relaxationtherapy.pro