Breath is one of the greatest gifts we have been given and often it goes unopened. By engaging in the breath, we increase our lifespan, relax chronic muscle tension, regain a clear mind and increase immune function – thus increasing our vitality. Yet by ignoring the breath, it can lay the foundation for ill health.

Breath is both subtle and gross. The gross part is a blend of oxygen, nitrogen and other chemicals that constitute air. The subtle aspect is prana, the vital life force that energizes the mind and body. The breath, its rhythm, and its depth are correlated to different states of emotions and consciousness.

The most important thing about breathing is how not to breathe. Approximately 1/3 of all people breathe so poorly that it contributes to ill health and lack of vitality and as we age, our breath is the most consistent measure of our vitality.

One of the first things that happen in a stressful situation is a change in the breath. When we are exposed to a stressful situation over a long period of time, the body can literally forget how to breathe. Chronic tension and free floating anxiety become a way of life, if left unaddressed.

Most breathing patterns accumulate over a lifetime. It takes about 6 weeks to re-establish a healthy breath pattern.

Common Breath Patterns

Reverse Breathing

On the inhale the belly goes in and on the out breath the belly goes out. You may experience a disorientation of the mind as well as chronic tension in the occipitals, the neck, the trapezius, upper thoracic and jaw.

Chest Breathing

This is the most common breath pattern, also known as shallow breathing. Chest breathing depends on weak upper thoracic and neck muscles, such as trapezius, scalenes and pectorals and thus develops chronic tension in the upper thoracic, shoulders and neck. The organs of the body suffer from poor circulation.

There is strong scientific evidence between chest breathing and high blood pressure, heart disease and digestive disorders.

      Breath Holding

Breath is intricately linked to the emotions. Holding the breath can result from any form of trauma and / or a perfectionist personality.

      Areophagia-Rapid/and or Mouth Breathing

Air gulping can cause bloating, burping, and extreme epigastric discomfort and mimic symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). There are  some researchers who believe that mouth breathing is associated with hyperventilation that can cause or exacerbates asthma, high blood pressure, heart disease, and many other medical problems. Mouth breathing also accelerates water loss increasing possible dehydration.

  Chronic Over Breathing or Hidden Hyperventilation

Chronic low grade over breathing is the most under-diagnosed health problem of our time. Breathing over 16 breaths per minute is considered over breathing.

When we develop the pattern of over breathing, we breathe fast regardless of the situation. Similar to the patterns of chest breathing.

The misinterpretation of physical symptoms as medical problems (worry about heart attack, brain tumor, and lung cancer) are common. Sixty per cent of urban ambulance calls are due to over breathing.

Muscular tension and pain can manifest in the neck and shoulders, pain between the scapula, cramps, tight occipitals, twitching and stiffness. In 1978 the Journal of American Medical Association produced a list of symptoms thought to be associated with chronic or hidden hyperventilation. They include but are not limited to fatigue, exhaustion, heart palpitations, rapid pulse, numbness and tingling in the limbs, shortness of breath, yawning, stomach pains, cramps, difficulty swallowing, dry throat and mouth, belching, flatulence, abdominal bloating, acid reflux, heart burn, stiffness, anxiety, nightmares, sexual phobias, insomnia, sweaty palms, impairment of concentration and memory, and a feeling of losing one’s mind!

Long Complete Deep Breath

Sit straight. No restrictive bras or tight pants. If the spine is in a balanced positioned, the ribs and muscles are able to move freely. Begin to breathe into the abdomen, then into the chest and finish with the clavicle. All three are done in a smooth motion. As you exhale, start by relaxing the clavicle then slowly emptying the chest. Finally pull in the abdomen and force out any remaining air.

 What this exercise will do for you:

            Relax and calm you

            Give you clarity, cool headedness and patience

            Reduce and prevent build-up of toxins in the lungs

            Stimulate the chemicals in the brain to fight depression

            Build the electromagnetic field in strength

            Expanded lung capacity         

Again, breath is the greatest gift we have been given. Your breath is uniquely YOU! Breathe deeply with gratitude and reap the benefits.

http://www.patricialuccardi.com/

 Patricia Bowden-Luccardi LMT CTT, CNMT