Health
Michelle Treseler
Wildfire Smoke and Your Health: What You Can ...

Breathing large amounts of particulate matter from smoke can cause irritation of our mucous membranes (in our nose, sinuses, throat and lungs) and it can exacerbate underlying conditions, such as: asthma, heart disease, COPD, emphysema, etc. This year, we have the added challenge of a virus that can also impact our respiratory system. I have received a lot of questions as to how we can best navigate these challenges so, in this post, I am sharing what I have found to be physically beneficial when encountering wildfire smoke.

If possible, and I recognize the inherent privilege of being able to partake in the following, here are some ideas as to how to prevent excessive or prolonged exposure to smoke, protect our respiratory system, and promote well-being.

Wildfire Smoke and Your Health: What You Can Do Right Now to Reduce your Health Risk

health

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Qi Reactions

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Qi Reactions

Qigong practices are designed to improve the flow of chi throughout the body, and some practitioners report experiencing a range of physical or emotional sensations as a result.  One of the most common sensations of chi is a feeling of warmth, heat or tingling in the body, often accompanied by a sense of relaxation and well-being. Some practitioners report feeling a pulsing, vibrating, or magnetic sensation in specific parts of the body, or a sense of energy flowing through the body. With time and practice, many experience a heightened sense of awareness and a feeling of being "in the zone."

However, not all chi reactions are pleasant.

Wildfire Smoke and Your Health: What You Can Do Right Now to Reduce your Health Risk

Wildfire Smoke and Your Health: What You Can Do Right Now to Reduce your Health Risk

Breathing large amounts of particulate matter from smoke can cause irritation of our mucous membranes (in our nose, sinuses, throat and lungs) and it can exacerbate underlying conditions, such as: asthma, heart disease, COPD, emphysema, etc. This year, we have the added challenge of a virus that can also impact our respiratory system. I have received a lot of questions as to how we can best navigate these challenges so, in this post, I am sharing what I have found to be physically beneficial when encountering wildfire smoke.

If possible, and I recognize the inherent privilege of being able to partake in the following, here are some ideas as to how to prevent excessive or prolonged exposure to smoke, protect our respiratory system, and promote well-being.

Dive deep into the stillness of your own being

Dive deep into the stillness of your own being

Practice kindness to the self if one gets caught in the waves of disharmony.  Detach from the swirling of fear/anxiety and dive deep to the inner stillness within and take a moment to breathe - just one conscious breath is all that is required to rest and reset. 

Let us respond mindfully from inner stability and not be caught in reaction to the news or to each other. In this age of connectivity, voices of wisdom, discernment and constructive criticism are necessary for a functioning, healthy society. Your voice, coming from a place of inner harmony, may be needed now more than ever.