Boy, was I thankful for having learned to be a better breather when I was under the dentist’s drill, the other day. I felt some pain, but mostly fear and anxiety about this new experience of getting a filling.
Whenever I teach a class on acupressure, I tell my students, “Your breath is your friend.” So when you hold a point, take a few deep breaths. Even if you’re not holding a point, take a few deep breaths. Deep breaths help with relaxation.
And what I learned on the dentist’s chair is that I was able to access my calming breath, because I had done it before, in many ways. Practicing acupressure points; giving wellness sessions; receiving bodywork; meditating; in my yoga practice. So, hooray for all that attention to breath.
WakoWa Salon: Everyday Wellness 
1 comment
Comments feed for this article
March 17, 2007 at 9:24 am
Lisa
Hi Wako – I relate to this experience. I have had SO MUCH work done on my mouth from the time I was a kid, that I DREAD the dentist office — lots of fillings, braces for 5 years, dental surgery as a kid to remove 3 kid’s teeth and 4 permanent teeth (because my mouth/jaw was too small to accomodate them), had 2 wisdom teeth removed, had to have gum tissue taken from the roof of my mouth and sewn to an area around my lower teeth where my gums were receding, and for the past 2-3 years I’ve suddenly had to go for teeth cleaning every FOUR months because my gums were struggling. When I had to start going for this many cleanings (and because my gums were so sensitive), it was my breathing that helped me cope – as well as the sense of humor my hygenist and I share. Remarkably, we laugh a lot during the process which helps tremendously. My readings on Buddhist meditation and the Mind have also helped me to see how much I allow my mind to run wild with dread and apprehension as I approach the dentist office and chair. By working with my mental conditioning around dental care, along with lots of deep, calming breathing, I’ve become less anxious during any dental procedure.