TCM + Mindful Breathing
Mindful Breathing and Qi: Enhancing Health in the Workplace
Breathing is the vital process by which air moves in and out of the lungs, delivering oxygen to the body and removing carbon dioxide. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), breath is referred to as qi (pronounced “chee”), a term whose meaning can change depending on context. Qi is the substance that flows through the acupuncture channels, influences organ function, reflects emotional states, and represents the essential vital movements present in all living systems. Much like a fish cannot perceive the water it lives in, humans experience but often cannot see or fully sense qi.
How Stress Affects Breathing and Qi
Workplace stress can directly affect breathing patterns and disrupt the flow of qi. When we hold our breath in response to stress or frustration, these patterns can persist long after the initial trigger. Shallow or restrained breathing can affect mental, emotional, and physical well-being, contributing to tension, fatigue, and decreased focus. Mindful breathing is a simple yet powerful tool to improve qi flow, reduce stress, and support immunity. Integrating these practices into your daily routine, along with complementary TCM strategies, can lead to a healthier, more focused, and balanced life at work.
Breathing and Immunity
Proper breathing can also boost immune function. Each year, the CDC reports that 3–11% of the U.S. population contracts influenza, resulting in millions of missed workdays and significant economic impact. Practicing deep, mindful breathing may enhance immune cell activity, improve blood circulation, and strengthen the body’s natural ability to fight infections.
By slowing and deepening your breath, you can:
Increase oxygen delivery throughout the body
Reduce stress and tension
Support immune function
Improve mental clarity and alertness
Simple Mindful Breathing Exercise for Work
Here’s a practical exercise you can do at your desk:
Sit comfortably and take a few slow, deep breaths into your abdomen.
Focus on your breath: inhale for 4 counts, hold for 4, exhale for 6.
Open-mouth exhalation: After a normal exhale, open your mouth wide and let air flow out naturally as your diaphragm relaxes. Avoid forcing the breath.
Notice tension: Pay attention to any tightness in your jaw, neck, or throat, and imagine your airway relaxing and spacious.
Return to normal breathing after a few open-mouth exhalations.
Reflect on these questions:
What differences do you notice before and after the exercise?
Where do you feel tension?
Where do you feel relaxed?
Repeating this practice regularly increases awareness of your breath and supports overall well-being.
* This information is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a primary health care provider with questions regarding a medical condition or treatment plan.
