|
|
Poor
breathing technique or breathing from the chest rather than the
abdomen can contribute to many diseases and disorders, When we breathe
in, oxygen passes through the lungs and is absorbed into the bloodstream.
We then breathe carbon dioxide back into the air. But if breathing
is too shallow, the body does not eliminate enough the mucous membranes
of the lungs. This disrupts cellular respiration and cell metabolism
and may cause a decline in mental capacity because the brain does
not get enough oxygen. The primary causes of faulty breathing are
anxiety or stress, poor posture, clothing that is too tight and,
in some cases, surgery. With breath therapy, you can relearn proper
breathing techniques, which will help to alleviate tension, relieve
asthma and insomnia, increase metabolic rate and make a crucial
contribution to the health of your immune system.
Abdominal
breathing
This exercise
will help you breathe from your abdomen.
- lie down
on the floor with your calves resting on a chair or stool.
- place 3
books on your abdomen over your navel. Breathe deeply and calmly.
Feel the weight of the books on your belly.
- remove 1
book. Notice that your belly feels lighter and your breathing
is deeper. Remove the other books, 1 at a time, pausing in between
to focus on the feeling of breathing deeply.
- at the end
of the exercise, place your hands on the belly and consciously
breathe from your abdomen for a few minutes.
The treatment
The goal of the treatment is to promote a proper breathing form
that is rhythmic and engages the abdominal muscles and diaphragm.
Shallow chest breathing, in which only the rib cage rises and falls,
should be reduced As much as possible. In addition, intentional
yawning and stretching from the waist up gradually increase lung
volume.
Massage
to enhance breathing
Targeted massage of the connective tissue in the chest, back, arms
and abdomen loosens the muscles and facilitates unrestricted breathing.
Breath therapy
Many people can improve their breathing patterns on their own, but
some may require assistance from a professional through either individual
or group sessions. A therapist who specializes in breath work stimulates
the breathing process via the patient's conscious awareness. This
targeted training concentrates on breathing depth and rhythm and
promotes the optimum distribution of abdominal and chest breathing.
Proper posture is also a focus.
Extra
tip : Laughter is a good exercise
for the breathing muscles. When you laugh, the upward and downward
movement of your diaphragm is particularly intense and massages
your internal organs.
Useful
for stress, anxiety, overall fatigue, asthma, joint pain, sleep
and speech disorders and difficulty in breathing properly
Applications
For people
with heart problems
The following breathing exercise can be performed as a supporting
treatment for people with cardiovascular disease. Slowly breathe
in deeply through your nose, then purse your lips and breathe out
through your mouth. This exercise promotes relaxation, lowers blood
pressure and helps ensure proper oxygenation of the blood.
For hyperventilation
Anxiety often causes the fast and shallow breathing that can eliminate
too much carbon dioxide. This can lead to hyperventilation, which
in turn increases feelings of anxiety. For acute hyperventilation,
it is helpful to hold a paper bag in front of your mouth and to
inhale the expelled air a few times. Afterward, it is important
to breathe slowly and calmly, emphasizing exhalation.
Breathing
exercises
- To boost
your energy level, clasp your hands in front of your abdomen,
palms facing up. While breathing lift your hands to chest level.
Turn your palms down. As you breathe out, push your arms and hands
down until they are straight. Leaving your hands clasped, breathe
in as you bring your arms forward and up over your head. Slowly
lower your arms as you breathe out. Repeat for a total of 3 times.
- To relieve
tension and stress, let your arms and hands hang next to your
body. As you inhale deeply, stretch your arms outward and sideways,
lifting your arms until your body forms a Y shape. Exhale forcefully
and audibly through your mouth as you allow your arms to sink
slowly down next to your body. Rest for a beat, then repeat the
exercise for a total 3 times.
|