Three solutions
The three fundamental factors of breathing
Three fundamental factors have an impact on the way our breathing functions:
- Biochemical – the exchange and metabolism of oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2)
- Biomechanical – the physical aspects of breathing; the functioning of the respiratory muscles, including the intercostal muscles (which run between the ribs and help form and move the chest wall) and the diaphragm (the major breathing muscle, located below the lungs)
- Psychological – the mental and emotional aspects, which may manifest as stress caused by poor breathing or poor breathing caused by stress.
These factors are at the root of breathing pattern disorders.
The three solutions to breathing pattern disorders
Three solutions address the factors which are at the root of breathing pattern disorders:
- Biochemical – addressing blood sensitivity to carbon dioxide (CO2)
- Biomechanical – breathing from the diaphragm
- Cadence – reducing the respiratory rate to between 4.5 and 6.5 breaths per minute in order to influence the autonomic functioning of the body.
