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. Diaphragmatic Breathing is also known
scientifically as Eupnea, which is a natural and relaxed form of breathing in
all mammals. Eupnea occurs in mammals whenever they are in a state of
relaxation, ie when there is no clear and present danger in their environment.
Explanation According to the National Center for
Complementary and Integrative Health, "12.7 percent of American adults [have]
used deep-breathing exercises... for health purposes," 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." According to the University of Texas
Counseling and Mental Health Center, "Diaphragmatic breathing allows one to
take normal breaths while maximizing the amount of oxygen that goes into the
bloodstream. It is a way of interrupting the 'Fight or Flight' response and
triggering the body's normal relaxation response." They provide a video
demonstration. In complementary and alternative
medicine Some practitioners of CAM 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. Due to the lung expansion being lower on
the body as opposed to higher up, 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 Hatha Yoga, tai chi and meditation
traditions draw a clear distinction between diaphragmatic breathing and
abdominal breathing or belly breathing. The more specific technique of
diaphragmatic breathing is said to be more beneficial.
Benefits of diaphragmatic breathing The use of diaphragmatic breathing is
commonly practiced, especially in those patients with cardiopulmonary disease,
to improve a variety of factors such as pulmonary function, cardiorespiratory
fitness, posture, respiratory muscle length, and respiratory muscle strength.
Specifically, diaphragmatic breathing exercise is essential to asthmatics
since breathing in these patients is of the thoracic type in association with
decreased chest expansion and chest deformity as a result of a deformed
sternum like pectus excavatum ; a shortened diaphragm, intercostals and
accessory muscles from prolonged spasm causing stenosis of the major airways
leading to an abnormal respiratory pattern.
Relation to singing Diaphragmatic breathing is also widely
considered essential to the best singing.
See also 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
Notes References
"Better Breathing". Learning to sing - Breathing.
External links Youtube video that explains
diaphragmatic breathing for singing. = CAM therapy suggestions=
Rapid deep breathing - hyperventilation Tszyanfey – Ancient deep breathing
technique