Tuesday, April 6, 2010

The Importance Of Deep Breathing For Health







Diaphragmatic breathing, often called deep breathing, is the healthiest way to breathe. Even though it may feel unnatural at first, deep breathing has many benefits, physical, mental and emotional.


Stress


When you encounter a stressful situation, you begin to take shorter and more shallow breaths. This is what triggers a stress response in your mind. Taking deep breaths can reverse this process.


Anxiety


Anxiety is often caused by frequent shallow breathing. Breathing deeply can calm you down and prevent panic attacks.


Oxygen Flow








Deep breathing promotes better oxygen flow to the brain, as well as balancing the intake of oxygen and the output of carbon dioxide.


Headaches


Headaches may become less frequent while practicing deep breathing, especially if they were caused by tension.


Blood Pressure


Breathing deeply can also lower blood pressure. This is an effect of the improved oxygen flow that comes with deep breathing.


Heart Rate


While frequent heart racing can be a sign of a medical problem, sometimes it is caused by stress or tension. Diaphragmatic breathing may slow the heart rate down to a normal level.

Tags: deep breathing, Breathing deeply, Diaphragmatic breathing, oxygen flow