Breathing Techniques

When we observe our breathing, many of us may notice that even at rest our breathing is fast. In fact without knowing it, we are probably habitually hyperventilating (taking quick, shallow breaths from the top of our chest at a rate of around 12 - 15 breaths per minute).

This type of breathing lowers the levels of carbon dioxide in our blood. This causes the arteries, including the carotid artery (the main artery supplying the brain), to constrict, thus reducing the flow of oxygenated blood throughout the body.

This lack of oxygen switches on the sympathetic nervous system, (fight or flight reflex) which makes us tense, anxious, irritable and unable to think clearly.

These are just the short-term effects. A shortage of oxygen within the human body weakens our immune system, which leads to viral infections, damaged cells, growths, inflamed joints, serious heart and circulatory problems, toxic build-up in blood and premature ageing. If the cells in our bodies are rich in oxygen, mutated cells are less able to reproduce.

The key to slowing down our breathing is not to try to slow it down, but rather to learn how to breathe more deeply, using our diaphragm, belly, rib cage, and lower back in the breathing process.

The Western World is now learning the ancient secrets from Yoga, Meditation, Chi Kung and many other forms of breathing exercises that help not only to increase oxygen levels but to also to massage the internal organs.

Most of us try to do deep breathing when we want to relax. Unfortunately we tend to concentrate our efforts on simply taking the air in, rather than working on exhalation. Long exhalation helps turn on your parasympathetic nervous system, your 'relaxation response'. Aim to be more aware that your exhalation is longer than your inhalation, and perform this type of breathing exercise to prevent stress.