Welcome! I am Samantha Francis, one of the licensed acupuncturists at the Still Point’s new location in Clarksville, MD. Before I became an acupuncturist, I spent over ten years in the information technology field, and survived late-stage Lyme disease. My first experience with acupuncture was treatment for severe pelvic pain; so severe that my doctor recommended a hysterectomy at age 27. I wasn’t quite ready for that, so I tried acupuncture instead. It relieved my pain and helped me to be more relaxed, present and feel more in control of my existence. I learned tools I could use to help me feel more productive, and even overcome some of the symptoms that had been bothering me. The needles helped me progress toward being the person I knew I could be.
One of the tools I learned through my acupuncture journey is the miraculous power of a deep breath. Deep breathing has been shown to help reduce blood pressure. With the simple act of breathing in, we activate the proprioceptors (the stretch sensors) in our lungs. This, in turn, automatically triggers the relaxation response. We don’t need a pill, a needle, or any outside influence to activate this response; it lives within us, and the potential is there for relaxation with every single breath we take. How cool is that? We have a free sedative, available anywhere or anytime, with just a few deep, relaxing belly breaths.
Now, the question is: can you remember to take 3 deep breaths whenever you feel tension? Where is the tension in your body, right now, as you read this? Is it in the back of your head, or neck? Is it in your shoulders, or your lower back? Does it live in your face, your head, your mood, or your thoughts?
This tension is a sign from your body that it’s time to take a deep, relaxing breath. Go ahead and take one now! Inhale deep into your belly, and breathe out. You can close your eyes to really feel the breath moving into your belly, or place a hand on your belly and use your breath to push your belly out. Really inhale and feel the air move. Don’t strain, just breathe. When you feel full of air, let your breath out through your mouth, slowly and gently. As you exhale, imagine the tension melting away.
Repeat this deep, relaxing breath two more times. Notice your tension- has it moved or shifted at all? Maybe you need a few more deep breaths? Take them – they are FREE!
A good way to incorporate this in an office setting is every time you get up from your chair; to go to a meeting or the bathroom, wherever; stop and take at least one deep breath. You’ll find when you go to that meeting, your head will be clearer and you’ll be able to stay focused. Starting to get bored? Take another deep breath. You are only going to feel as good, as focused, as productive, as your last deep breath. Make them count!
