What’s In A Breathe?
Breathing; It sounds so simple, but are we doing it right?
Common breath holding patterns (not good) include:
Chest Breathing
Reverse Breathing/Paradoxical Breathing
Collapsed Breathing
Hyperventilation
Dyspnea.
This could lead to:
Chronic tension in upper body, neck, shoulders, back, and jaw
Anxiety, increased stress response (heart disease, hypertension)
Lack of circulation in abdominal area leading to indigestion, heartburn and bloating
Greater difficulty learning movement because basic pattern of breathing (movement) can be upside down
Confused or disoriented state of mind
Learning breathing techniques can assist with energy throughout the day, a calmer state for focusing, managing pain, and easier movement for the body.
Nose Breathing Versus Mouth Breathing:
Through the Nose: air is warmed and humidified, cleaned of dust particles, and cleaned of bacteria
Through the Mouth: more air in during intense physical activity, when trying to inhale quickly, for techniques requiring the deepest exhalation possible, greater ability to vary air flow
What is Normal Respiratory Rate?
Neonatal 30-60
Early Childhood 20-40
Late Childhood 15-25
Adult 12-16
Hyperventilation:
we may not recognize we’re doing it unless it’s in the extreme form. It can be subtle and chronic, and usually happens with chest breathing. As a result, you lose too much CO2...which is necessary for maintaining the right mixture of acid and alkaline, an essential balance for proper cell metabolism (respiratory alkalosis). That can cause marked alterations in the rates of chemical reactions in cells.
Conditions that may be related to hyperventilation:
fatigue
exhaustion
heart palpitations
rapid pulse
dizziness
visual disturbances
numbness
tingling in the limbs
SOB
yawning
chest pain
stomach pain
muscle pain
cramps
stiffness
anxiety
insomnia
nightmares
impaired concentration and memory
Diaphragmatic Breathing, Restorative Yoga, and Meditation are great ways to incorporate good quality breathing. Want to know more? Email us!
