Not everyone has breathing technique right
Breathing is something we all take for granted – we do it all the time! However, for a variety of reasons, not everyone breathes as well as they could. For example, some people over-breathe, overworking their upper chest muscles instead of using their diaphragm muscle. Breathing can also be erratic, with yawns, signs, coughs and sniffs.
What problems can incorrect breathing cause?
Breathing incorrectly can cause too little carbon dioxide in the blood which can have the following effects:
Increases adrenaline release, which can cause:
- shortness of breath
- frequent yawning and sighing
- chest tightness and chest pain
- disturbed sleeping patterns
- sore muscles from using the wrong muscles to breathe
- stomach problems
- anxiety.
Causes arteries to constrict, decreasing the blood flow to your brain. This will not cause damage, but you may feel or experience:
- dizziness
- detached sensation
- pins and needles in your hands, mouth and feet
- loss of memory.
Causes muscles to overwork, resulting in:
Breathing incorrectly can also cause coughing, worsen breathlessness and even trigger an asthma episode.
Breathe easy! Try these steps
- Sit or lie comfortably
- Place your hand on your stomach, over your belly button
- Take a small breath in through your nose, and feel your tummy swell
- Breathe out gently, feel your tummy flatten.
Learn to relax, let your shoulders drop, and breathe in a rhythmical pattern of 10-14 breaths per minute. It is important to breathe through your nose as this warms, filters and moistens the air, as well as helping regulate your breathing.
Original material provided by The Asthma Foundation of New Zealand, 2010. Edited by everybody, December 2010.
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