The goal of deep breathing is to expand the lungs and the diaphragm, increase oxygenation to tissues, invoke relaxation, and massage the lymphatic system, says Marcelle Pick, OB/GYN. The practice of mindful breathing be calming and energizing, according to Dr. Andrew Weil. Because breathing is something we must do anyway, understanding how to make the most of each breath is a valuable tool.
Overall Benefits of Deep Breathing
Your general health is affected with every breath. Deep breathing is therapeutic for hyperventilation and anxiety disorders, according to Doug Keller, author of "Refining the Breath." According to RealSimple.com, quality deep breathing is a learned technique that can help manage stress and improve the quality of life.
Parasympathetic Nervous System
Deep breathing is the fastest way to stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, through what some practitioners term the relaxation response, according to Marcelle Pick. Stress and anxiety stimulate the sympathetic nervous system, which causes spikes in cortisol and adrenaline. When stress and anxiety are prolonged, these neurotransmitters remain elevated, which can damage the body. Deep breathing slows the heart rate, expands the lungs and relaxes the muscles, signaling to the body that the time of fight or flight--triggered by the sympathetic nervous system--is over.
Stimulate the Lymphatic System
Just as the heart pumps blood through the circulatory system, delivering nutrients and oxygen to cells, deep breathing pumps lymph through the lymphatic system, allowing it to carry toxins away from the cells, says Marcelle Pick. When breathing in through the nose, expanding the abdomen and stretching the diaphragm muscle, the lymphatic system is stimulated. Because the lymphatic system does not have its own pump like the circulatory system does, it depends on deep breathing and body movement to be activated.
Mind/Body Connection
The importance of deep breathing has been understood and utilized for hundreds of years by many Eastern cultures. Deep breathing has the ability to create a tranquil state of being, cultivating a positive connection between the mind and body. Such practices as yoga or t'ai chi utilize deep breathing and movement to reinforce the mind/body connection.
Weight Loss
Getting regular exercise is one of the best ways to ensure deep breathing. Two of the reasons that physical exercise is so good for the body is that it increases the heart rate (strengthening the cardiovascular system) and forces the body to inhale deeply (increasing lung capacity). When the body is stressed, it will want to burn glycogen instead of fat, but when exercise causes deep breathing, the relaxation response is triggered that encourages the body to burn fat, says Marcelle Pick.
