Breathing Exercises
Shallow breathing seems to be a disease of our civilization as most people breathe too flat. In a state of rest, people breathe thirteen times a minute on average. Most respiratory therapists consider more than fifteen breaths per minute a stress signal. Especially in stress situations, breathing takes place in the upper chest, the stomach tenses up and the breathing becomes short, shallow and fast.
The stress that causes us to breathe flatter is not always obvious. Unconsciously, we perceive internal signals or signals from the environment in such a way that they put us in a state of stress. The result is lack of oxygen and tense muscles, which in turn can have many other negative physical effects.
When we become aware of this phenomenon, we can consciously relax and slow down our breathing using the proper techniques. Breathing then sinks back into the stomach area and stress is reduced. This has a positive effect on both body and psyche.
Doctors rarely pay attention to how their patients breathe. However, if patients were shown how to breathe properly, it would be possible in many cases to do without the prescription of some medication, e.g., sleeping pills or sedatives.
Proper breathing techniques can effectively be used for sleeping problems, pain, stress, anxiety and panic attacks.