Music for Better Health

The average person breathes 12-18 breathes per minute (BPM) during regular activity of standing, sitting & walking. Fitness experts suggest that 6 BPM is optimal for the lungs to properly oxygenate the whole body while also removing toxins. The lungs are responsible for removing 70% of the body’s waste by-products through exhalation. This is best accomplished by mindful breathing patterns through exercises such as mediation, Qigong, Tai Chi and Yoga.

When soft and peaceful music is used with the prior exercises, one can effectively slow and match their breathing pattern to the 4/4 tempo. Regulated breaths taking 4 seconds to inhale, a 4 second pause, and then 4 seconds to inhale results in 5 BPM.  When respiration slows to 10 breaths per minute or slower, the parasympathetic nervous system is activated. Qigong, Tai Chi, Baguazhang, Yoga, etc. are all effective methods of exercise that activate this nervous system. These techniques have proven the test of time in being an option to remove or manage the inner critical dialogue and learn to regulate the fast paced modern existence we all experience.

The links below, take you the sites of Jason Campbell whom is a musician and master level martial arts instructor:

Video clip from the musician

More info from the musician

Breathing Frequency During Mindful Breathing