Breathing Exercises

Introduction[edit | edit source]

Breathing exercises are a form of exercise that can be used for a variety of reasons.eg: to enhance the respiratory system by improving ventilation, strengthening respiratory muscles, and make breathing more efficient; for stress reduction and relaxation; in yoga to improve blood circulation, calm nerves and draw in vital substances[1][2].

Improper breathing can upset the oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange and contribute to anxiety, panic attacks, fatigue, and other physical and emotional disturbances.[3]

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Diaphragmatic breathing

Diaphragmatic breathing is a type of breathing exercise that helps strengthen the diaphragm, an important muscle that helps with breathing, as it represents 80% of breathing. This breathing exercise is also sometimes called belly breathing or abdominal breathing[4].

Pursed Lips Breathing[edit | edit source]

Pursed-lip breathing is a simple breathing technique that helps with making deep breaths slower and more intentional. This technique has been found to benefit people who have anxiety associated with lung conditions like emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

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References[edit | edit source]

  1. Medical dictionary Breathing exercises Available: https://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/breathing+exercise (accessed 11.3.2022)
  2. Lung Org Breathing exercises Available:https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/wellness/breathing-exercises (accessed 11.3.2022)
  3. Paulus MP. The breathing conundrum—interoceptive sensitivity and anxiety. Depression and anxiety. 2013 Apr;30(4):315-20.Available: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/da.22076(accessed 3.11.2022)
  4. Physiopedia Diaphragmatic breathing.