Physiologically breathing has 2 main functions:

• Bringing oxygen into the body & excreting carbon dioxide
• Regulating the acid balance in the body through carbon dioxide levels

When you are stressed, anxious or angry your breathing becomes rapid & shallow & is centred in the upper chest. This is called hyperventilation (over-breathing), and may be short lived in response to stress or continuous if the stress has become ‘locked in’. Reduced carbon dioxide levels result from the over-breathing which changes the Ph (acid base balance) because as carbon dioxide falls the Ph rises unless the kidneys push out bicarbonate to rebalance the equation Ph = carbon dioxide/Bicarbonate. This imbalance can cause problems such as insomnia (can't sleep), fatigue, reduced energy levels, increased blood cholesterol, high blood pressure & decreased immune function.

Many people over-breathe, virtually locked in a state of fight & flight, continually stressed.

You can interrupt over-breathing by using diaphragmatic breathing. This brings air to the base of the lungs thereby improving the efficiency of gaseous exchange which in turn can induce a relaxation effect & correction of the chemical changes.

The easiest way to become aware of diaphragmatic breathing is to place one hand on your chest & one hand on your belly. As you breathe in breathe into your belly, your hand should rise as your belly expands.

It takes practice but you can retrain your diaphragm and breathing pattern.

Acknowledgement: Dr David Beadles

Read more about The Benefits of Good Breathing