I have heard many benefits from doing yoga, but having fresh breath has so far not been one of them.
However, I love to live and learn and certainly many of the commercially available mouthwashes come with unwanted additives, one of which is ethanol. You wouldn’t think mouthwash would warrant attention from the American Association of Poison Control Centers but it seems you should lock away your mouthwash in a cupboard if you have small children around.
Their study found that a 15-kg child who ingests 212 mL (7.2 oz.) of a brand name, widely available mouthwash can have a potentially lethal reaction to the ethanol content (the mouthwash in question was 27% ethanol). That seems like a very hefty swig to me, but what is more frightening is one of their findings which was that approximately one-tenth that amount of ethanol can produce a toxic reaction.
So if you want sweet, clean breath, stop swilling and start sun salutations instead. Or better, some rather practice specific breathing techniques, known as pranayama, in order to get your whole system in balance – a good side effect of which will be sweeter breath.
Apparently over the many centuries of yoga practice it has been noted that pranayama has a potent influence over the respiratory and digestive organs. One of the simplest to master is kapalbhati where the emphasis is placed on the out breath. You don’t even have to be in the bathroom to do it, but sit comfortably and let your belly hang out and relax.
Now start pulling your belly in sharply in a quick rhythm and breathe out forcefully through your nose – your in breath will happen naturally. Start with 50 and get up to a 100 with practice Keep a steady rhythm, with the eyes closed, and complete up to 100 rounds (50 for beginners). Worry not about the inhales, as they happen automatically with the pumping action of the tummy.
Besides helping keep your breath sweet this practice also helps with conditions that can cause bad breath such as indigestion, hyperacidity and constipation. This time of year it is also useful in clearing the nasal passages to help clear out those cold germs before they get a hold.
To read more from AnnA visit her website at http://www.bio-hormone-health.com/
AnnA_R
AnnA Rushton is an experienced author and speaker on health, personal development and creativity. With a background in television, theatre and advertising she is a natural communicator with a particular interest in womens health and holistic medicine. Her books include 'Natural Progesterone', How to Cope Successfully With Stress', 'Tips For Hot Flushes', 'Dealing With Procrastination' and 'How To Write Your Life Story' all of which are available at http://www.creativecatalyst.co.uk
Join with Google
Join with Facebook