Benefits of Deep Breathing

Dec 21, 2022

The act of breathing plays more of a role in our health other than just oxygen intake. Normal breathing is usually pretty shallow, but when we consciously and intentionally activate the diaphragm to take deeper breaths, magical things happen!

The diaphragm is a muscle located directly below the lungs. It is attached to the spine, sternum and lower ribs. When it contracts during inhalation, it lowers and widens, creating space for the lungs to expand. Although there are other auxiliary muscles involved with inhalation, the diaphragm is the primary workhorse. Just like any other muscle, the diaphragm can be strengthened, and one way to accomplish this is through diaphragmatic breathing, also called deep or belly breathing. When the diaphragm becomes stronger, it is able to perform its job more efficiently.

One major benefit of strengthening the diaphragm is improvement of lung efficiency. This is beneficial because with increased lung capacity comes greater gas exchange, which means optimal blood oxygen levels and removal of carbon dioxide waste. Anyone can benefit from better lung efficiency, and it can even be helpful for people with mild to moderate COPD to increase their lung capacity.

Chronic stress has long been called a killer. Data well supports the idea that the disease-causing effects of chronic stress are at least partially due to increase in oxidative stress, which can lead to conditions such as heart disease, memory conditions, high blood pressure, and rheumatoid arthritis. Deep breathing helps to calm our sympathetic (fight or flight) nervous system and helps activate our parasympathetic (rest and digest) nervous system, lowering cortisol levels and combatting disease-causing chronic stress. As a result of lowered chronic stress, it also helps combat high blood pressure; depression; anxiety and panic disorders; and improves digestion.

Deep breathing also helps improve the immune system. Part of how our bodies stay healthy is through the lymphatic system, which among other functions removes pathogens and and cellular waste. When the diaphragm is engaged during deep breathing, it acts as a pump that stimulates the lymph nodes nearby. This in turn helps move lymph fluid, increasing toxin removal up to fifteen times the normal rate and keeps the immune system functioning properly.

Additionally, receiving a chiropractic adjustment can help free up the structures involved with breathing such as the ribs and spine. Massage therapy also helps release the soft tissue associated with normal and labored breathing.

If you don’t have an amazing chiropractor Contact us todayFamily Chiropractic Plus is dedicated to your overall health and well-being, which is why we offer regular chiropractic adjustments in order to restore your body’s natural state of optimal health, while also providing it with the support it needs to heal from any injury, big or small.

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