Diaphragmatic breathing
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This article may rely excessively on sources too closely associated with the subject, preventing the article from being verifiable and neutral. (July 2011) |
Diaphragmatic breathing, abdominal breathing, belly breathing or deep breathing is breathing that is done by contracting the diaphragm, a muscle located horizontally between the chest cavity and stomach cavity. Air enters the lungs and the belly expands during this type of breathing.
This deep breathing is marked by expansion of the abdomen rather than the chest when breathing. It is considered by some to be a healthier way to breathe, and is considered by some a useful form of complementary and alternative treatment.
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What is diaphragmatic breathing [edit]
According the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, "12.7 percent of American adults [have] used deep-breathing exercises... for health purposes,"[1] which it describes as follows, "Deep breathing involves slow and deep inhalation through the nose, usually to a count of 10, followed by slow and complete exhalation for a similar count. The process may be repeated 5 to 10 times, several times a day."[2]
Diaphragmatic breathing in complementary and alternative medicine [edit]
Some practitioners of CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) believe that particular kinds of breathing they identify as diaphragm breathing can be used to bring about health benefits.
Deep breathing exercises are sometimes used as a form of relaxation, that, when practiced regularly, may lead to the relief or prevention of symptoms commonly associated with stress, which may include high blood pressure, headaches, stomach conditions, depression, anxiety, and others.[3]
There are other, distinct diaphragmatic breathing exercises taught by CAM practitioners.
Weight loss [edit]
There have been studies done[citation needed] suggesting that deep breathing exercises done prior to and following physical exercise is beneficial to weight loss as it helps to oxygenate the muscles and increase metabolism, causing the body to burn more calories.
Asthma [edit]
Deep breathing exercises can be used to help ease the discomfort of mild asthma attacks.[medical citation needed] Also, people who have suffered long-term asthma have a tendency to breathe in light shallow breaths.[medical citation needed] Regular intervals of certain types of deep breathing exercises can help to retrain and strengthen tired lungs.[medical citation needed]
How it happens [edit]
The term 'diaphragmatic' is sometimes misinterpreted to imply that the thoracic diaphragm is not used in shallow breathing. This is a misunderstanding as the diaphragm is used in either case.
Due to the lung expansion being lower (inferior) on the body as opposed to higher up (superior), it is referred to as 'deep' and the higher lung expansion of rib cage breathing is referred to as 'shallow'. The actual volume of air taken into the lungs with either means varies.
Relation to Yoga and meditation [edit]
Hatha Yoga, tai chi and meditation traditions draw a clear distinction between diaphragmatic breathing and abdominal breathing or belly breathing.[citation needed] The more specific technique of diaphragmatic breathing is said to be more beneficial.[citation needed]
See also [edit]
- Breath
- Shallow breathing - a type of breathing that is mutually exclusive to diaphragmatic breathing and is associated with multiple anxiety disorders
- Circular breathing
- Pranayama - a traditional Yogic practice of slowing and extending the breaths, used during meditation
- Kussmaul breathing
References [edit]
- ^ "Relaxation Techniques for Health: An Introduction" http://nccam.nih.gov/health/stress/relaxation.htm
- ^ http://nccam.nih.gov/health/providers/camterms.htm "Terms Related to Complementary and Alternative Medicine"
- ^ "To relax using this method, you consciously slow your breathing and focus on taking regular and deep breaths...Because relaxation is the opposite of stress, the theory is that voluntarily creating the relaxation response through regular use of relaxation techniques could counteract the negative effects of stress...Chronic stress may lead to high blood pressure, headaches, stomach ache, and other symptoms. Stress may and in many cases will worsen certain conditions, such as asthma. Stress also has been linked to depression, anxiety, and other mental illnesses." - Relaxation Techniques for Health: An Introduction
