Breathing

Breathing

Breathing can be used as a guide for “posture” or “position”. This means that if we are able to take a deep diaphragmatic breath, we are in a satisfactory posture. When the spine and torso are not in the best possible position, breathing mechanisms become difficult and we lose the ability to use the diaphragm effectively.

I am not saying that we have to be in a perfect posture at all times, as there is no “perfect posture”. What I'm saying is that we should be able to breathe with a decent diaphragmatic pattern at rest and throughout the day... this is fundamental.

The sitting position is the position most of us use every day at work, often for long hours. From this position we should be able to breathe diaphragmatically, taking a good deep breath. If not, just adjust your position so you can breathe better.

Our breathing becomes quite difficult when we spend long hours slouching in a chair, making very few movements. Just try to breathe diaphragmatically and deeply...

Daily stresses at work, family obligations or financial pressures lead to shallow and rapid breathing, hence to inadequate oxygenation, which in turn leads to various evolutionary complications, such as poor sleep, fatigue and even, in the long run, heart disease.

Breathing is a fundamental function that occurs throughout the day subconsciously. If we are unable to use our diaphragm to breathe, we are forced to use the upper chest and neck muscles to help us breathe... these muscles are called the auxiliary respiratory muscles.

By constantly using the muscles of the chest and neck as the main respiratory muscles, the result is that we feel permanently stiff, because these muscles do not have breathing as a priority. Their job is to stabilize the upper torso, while breathing is an extra job for them and quite demanding and difficult.

Proper breathing leads to the relief or prevention of symptoms commonly associated with headaches, neck pain, stress, and improves the mood, etc.