Day in and day out – we breathe. Breathing usually operates at the edge of our awareness. As we know, life is absolutely dependent upon the act of breathing. Breathing may be considered the most important of all of the functions of the body, as all the other functions depend on it. We may exist some time without eating; a shorter time without drinking; but without breathing our existence is measured in minutes. Breathing is an automatic function that the body performs. However, we can control it by using our awareness. Breathing properly can make a major difference in our overall health. In fact, the effects of breathing go beyond the physical movement of air coming into the body and air being expelled from the body. Proper breathing is necessary for health which is why the Buteyko Breathing Normalization method for breathing is so important.
Energy Supply
Breathing properly has a major impact on the body’s energy supply. Every cell in the body needs to breathe. Our breathing habits have a powerful effect on our energy levels. Breathing in too much air creates an insufficiency of carbon dioxide in the lungs and bloodstream, which negatively impacts metabolism and the immune system, decreasing energy levels in the body. The body needs the correct balance of carbon dioxide and oxygen to support a healthy metabolism, and to provide us with the energy we need to do things. This is what makes proper breathing so important.
Methods of Breathing
When we pay attention to our breathing, we can notice the qualities of the breath. For instance, breathing can be continuous or interrupted, rhythmical or irregular, heavy or light. The breath is impacted by the way we are feeling both physically and emotionally. We have likely experienced or observed how our breathing changes under various circumstances, such as when we are afraid, angry, sad, sedentary, or physically active.
Proper Breathing
Dr. Konstantin Buteyko’s discoveries proved that most people do not breathe properly. He observed through years of research that people breathe too heavily and consume five to ten times more air than their bodies require. Dr. Buteyko studies proved that most people don’t possess enough awareness of their breathing habits to breathe properly, and so he devised a system of breathing exercises to gain awareness and to improve our breathing. Mouth breathing and heavy breathing causes us to take in large amounts of air too quickly, which Dr. Buteyko discovered caused hyperventilation. Instead, Dr. Buteyko recommended nasal breathing and reducing air consumption. His breathing method, called the Buteyko Breathing Normalization Method, if performed with diligence, has the power to eliminate symptoms and restore well-being to the body, mind and spirit. When we pay attention to the way we breathe our body will thank us.
If you want to know more about proper breathing techniques, contact the Breathing Center, Holistic Health Improvement. Call today to schedule an appointment at 800-520-3450.