Stress is an inevitable part of life, often creeping into our day without warning, triggering a storm of physical and emotional reactions. However, there is a hidden culprit in how our bodies respond to stress: the loss of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the lungs. When tension or fear pushes CO2 levels below what’s necessary for health, it weakens the immune, nervous, and respiratory systems. CO2 in the lungs is our life force, our prana, our chi. Without it, our vitality diminishes, making us more prone to illness. Dr. Konstantin Buteyko discovered that when we encounter stress, our breathing changes – often without our awareness. It becomes fast, shallow, too deep and heavy, depleting our lungs of vital CO2 and sending the body into a spiral of discomfort, anxiety, and tension.
But there is an ancient wisdom, often overlooked, that offers protection from the onslaught of stress. Long before the concept of carbon dioxide was understood, spiritual traditions recognized the power of breath and its ability to shield us from life’s difficulties.
In the past, spirituality was not a ritual confined to Sundays or during some religious gatherings; it was woven into the fabric of everyday life, guiding children from the moment they were born. Families passed down prayers, mantras, and stories of protectors – whether angels, saints, nature spirits, or spiritual guides – who watched over them. These weren’t just comforting narratives; they were survival tools, helping children breathe better and handle fear or stress without needing to understand the science behind it.
The words of a prayer or mantra are more than just sounds. They carry power. When a child softly whispers a familiar prayer in a moment of fear, it’s like wrapping themselves in a warm, protective blanket. The breath softens, the body relaxes, and most importantly – CO2 levels stay higher. The grip of stress loosens.
I remember a powerful moment with my daughter, Tusha, that reminded me how deeply this ancient wisdom is ingrained in us. She was five years old when we traveled to Nepal, eager to experience the wonders of the world together. We found ourselves deep inside a very long cave, far from the entrance, with the outside world completely out of sight. The only light came from small, flickering bulbs lining the walls. Suddenly, everything went dark – the lights went out.
A wave of fear swept over me. Here I was with the little child, in total darkness, far from home, with no clear way out. Would the lights ever come back on? And if so, when? Was this an accident or something preconceived? Were we in this cave alone? My mind raced. Then I glanced at Tusha, expecting her to panic, but she surprised me. She had already begun chanting softly, “Om Mani Padme Hum.” I had taught her to use this mantra, representing unconditional love, as her protection whenever she experiences fear or feels insecure. Now, it became her safe haven. With each repetition, I watched her fear melt away. Her breath was calm and steady as if the darkness of the cave had no power over her. Seeing her tranquility, I, too, began to calm down, following her lead. After ten minutes, which felt like an eternity, the lights flickered back on, and we safely found our way out.
My daughter’s reaction was a profound reminder of how spiritual practices can shield children by keeping their breathing serene. Dr. Buteyko understood the incredible impact of these ancient practices. He discovered that many mantras, but especially “Om Mani Padme Hum,” can slow the breath, making it gentle and rhythmic. This not only preserves CO2 levels but calms the entire nervous system. I frequently incorporate this mantra into my Buteyko Breathing sessions because its effect on breath is immediate and powerful.
And it’s not just this old Sanskrit mantra that has the power to improve our breathing patterns. Whether it’s a Christian prayer whispered in the stillness of the night, a Sufi chant rising with the dawn, or a Buddhist sutra softly murmured, all spiritual traditions hold a secret gift: the ability to restore balance to our breath, preserve CO2, and protect our bodies from the harmful effects of stress.
In today’s world, when many parents view religious traditions as relics of the past, I encourage them to revisit this ancient wisdom. Teach your child a prayer, a mantra, or a simple breathing-focused meditation. Let them feel the presence of a spiritual protector when fear or uncertainty arises. These practices offer more than just mental comfort – they are practical tools for preventing the harmful effects of stress through CO2 loss. As a result, they help children breathe better, stay healthy, and face life’s challenges with calm, resilience, and strength.
Read more about stress reduction for children in the Adenoids Without Surgery book.