Shelly answers one of my burning questions about the benefits of observing the breath vs regulating it. She takes us through a meditation to encourage longer, smoother and softer breathing (but not necessarily deep). This practice can help calm the nervous system, decrease hypervigilance and minimize a variety of physical or mental health symptoms. Shelly also explains that "deep" breathing can sometimes lead to over-breathing with the upper chest and neck muscles, which can activate the sympathetic nervous system and may be counterproductive for some people.

 

Shelly is a physiotherapist, yoga therapist, author, educator, and pioneer of PhysioYoga with over 23 years of experience integrating yoga into physiotherapy and specializes in areas of chronic pain, pelvic health, and professional burnout. She lectures at physiotherapy and yoga programs, contributes to research, presents at conferences globally, provides mentorship for professionals, and offers courses and resources for healthcare professionals and the general population. Shelly has authored book chapters in rehabilitation textbooks and is the co-editor/author of Yoga and Science in Pain Care: Treating the Person in Pain. She maintains a clinical practice in Sylvan Lake, Canada and believes compassion is the foundation of healthcare. Visit www.physioyoga.ca to learn more.   www.physioyoga.ca and on social media: Instagram & Twitter: @proskoyoga FB page: Prosko PhysioYoga Therapy