Did you Know?
Breathing correctly is essential for life. Proper breathing is readily observed in the newborn but as we grow older, day to day stressors and tension in our lives hamper this normal pattern, resulting in a chronic and largely unfavorable breathing pattern.
How on earth do we manage to do something so vital, so poorly and detrimental?
Ideal breathing is due to the contraction and relaxation of a sheet of muscle that extends across the bottom of the rib cage known as the diaphragm. As the diaphragm relaxes and contracts (this can be easily seen by the rising and falling of the abdomen when we breathe) air is pulled in and pushed out of the lungs. When humans undergo stress, (physical, biochemical or emotional stressors) their breathing pattern changes. Often this is seen by us using our chest and shoulders, rather than our diaphragm to breathe, which over time causes the body to develop this poor pattern.
This altered pattern is known as paradoxical breathing (or reverse breathing). This is ultimately considered a form of moderate hyperventilation which results in the disequilibrium between oxygen and carbon dioxide in our body. The decrease in carbon dioxide causes the nervous system to become over excitable, hence it is not uncommon to hear complaints of an increase in feelings of stress or anxiety which cause muscular tension and spasm, fatigue, headaches, heart palpitations and insomnia for example. Along with these signs and symptoms, it is also understood that there is an increased sensitivity of the pain receptors which, in addition to the aforementioned signs and symptoms, is a major contributor to the development of chronic pain syndromes.
Muscles in the neck and shoulders were designed for the sole purpose of movement, thus the much smaller and less efficient muscles of respiration in the upper chest, shoulders and neck having to work 10 to 20 times per minute fatigue quickly. We see this commonly leading to pain and tightness in these muscles.
The phases of inspiration and expiration has a natural relaxing effect. Deep and slow breathing increases blood oxygenation and furthermore allows for the reduction in levels of muscle tension, anxiety and fatigue. At Hands On we teach you how to breathe in this efficient manner so you can use this during your week to control and reverse the negative effects of stress on the body.
If patterns of breathing have been altered for any length of time, our clinical experience suggests that correcting the musculoskeletal regions associated with the breathing process may be required before the correct patterns of breathing can be restored. To have your breathing assessed or to simply learn more about correct breathing techniques and the benefits they can offer your general health and well being, simply ask any of the practitioners at Hands On, or feel free to contact us to arrange an appointment.
Ryan Hislop- Hands On Chiropractor
info@handsonsydney.com.au
