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Psychoneuroimmunology is an entire field of medical science now devoted to the study of the effects of the minds ability to influence an individuals’ state of health. This field was brought to the recognition of mainstream science by the study of Candace Pert with the National Institute of Health in 1985, which identified neurotransmitter changes in the bloodstream based on emotional states. This also correlated immune function with the neurotransmitters, linking what has been known for eons by traditional cultures that a peaceful mind aids the health and healing ability of the body.

Biofeedback is a modality widely utilized for helping individuals identify the physiologic signs of a relaxed state and how to encourage that state to override previous patterns of behavior that may have somehow negatively affected their health. Some of the identified changes in a relaxed persons physiology include:

• A reduction in blood pressure, heart rate and breath rate.
• Warming of the skin surface due to dilation of blood capillaries.
• Enhanced productivity of healing neurochemicals and hormones.
• A shift toward a lower frequency of brain-wave activity (alpha and theta).
• Heightened perceptiveness to experiences within the body as well as to the surrounding environment.

Practicing deep relaxation and recognizing the subtle changes in the body’s physiology in relaxation vs. stressful situations is something that everyone can do to protect their health and prevent disease. The sigh is the perfect example of the body’s natural ability to counteract a stressful state of mind. The simplicity of a deep breath begins a cascade of effects which work toward restoring a healthy balance in the body and mind.