Light-headedness is caused by a lack of oxygen or blood to the brain. It's a common reaction to a variety of triggers, including excessive heat, anxiety, sudden fear and shock. An article at mothernature.com reports that light-headedness is a complaint commonly heard by doctors, and although it could signal a more serious health problem such as heart disease, it more often is benign. Treating light-headedness is accomplished by finding ways to get more blood or oxygen, or both, to the brain quickly.
4-7-8 Breathing
This Chinese healing technique calms the body and focuses the breathing process. Breathe in through your nose on a count of 4, hold your breath for a count of 7, and then release your breath through your mouth on a count of 8. Pause, and then repeat. Breathing deeply and holding your breath gives your lungs a chance to oxygenate your blood more.
Diaphragmatic Breathing
This technique allows you to breathe more deeply and can be practiced even when you're not light-headed. Breathing from the stomach is the way babies breathe, reports an article at healthyplace.com, and it's later in life that we begin to breathe more shallowly through the chest. Place your hand on your stomach, and breathe in until your stomach fully expands with air. Practice breathing in and out slowly, counting to 3 each time you inhale or exhale.
Bowed-Head Breathing
Sit down as soon as you feel light-headed, then bend over, with your head hanging down near your knees. Take a few deep breaths. This technique re-oxygenates your blood and also helps the blood get to the brain more easily.
Alternate Nostril Breathing
This yoga technique gets more oxygen into your blood and also balances the brain and calms nerves, according to an article at holisticonline.com. Hold your right nostril closed with your right thumb, and breathe in for a count of 4, then immediately close of the left nostril, and exhale through the right nostril for a count of 8. Next, close off the left nostril and inhale for a count of 4, then close off the right nostril, and exhale for a count of eight. Repeat several times until you feel better.
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