Breathing is done both voluntarily and involuntarily and can be used to communicate between voluntary and involuntary bodily functions, according to the American Medical Student Association. Many cultures believe it to be the essence of being. Conscious breathing can influence blood pressure, heart rate, circulation and digestion. Learning purposeful breathing can help in your overall well-being.
Buteyko Method
The Buteyko method was designed by a Russian doctor in the early 1950s to help patients recover from over-breathing. According to the Buteyko Clinic website, over-breathing is considered as breathing too much, which can be negative for the body. The Buteyko method teaches how to breathe through the nose, instead of the mouth, and taking smaller breaths. To practice, take a small breath in and a small breath out. On the out breath, hold your nose and count how long you can comfortably hold your breath. Before you need to take a deep breath, release your nose and take a small breath in. The longer you can comfortably hold your breath without needing a large intake of air, the better control of your breathing.
Diaphragmatic
Diaphragmatic breathing can also be considered abdominal breathing. As your diaphragm contracts, it causes your abdomen to expand, which forces air into your lungs, according to the American Medical Student Association. This action pulls blood into your chest, improving heart function and stamina. Abdominal breathing helps prevent infection of the lung and improves blood flow. To practice diaphragmatic breathing, place one hand on your chest and the other on your stomach. Your hand on your stomach should rise higher than your hand on your chest when you take a deep breath; this shows abdominal breathing. Inhale slow and deep through your nose and hold it for a count of seven. Exhale slowly through your mouth for a count of eight. As you do, concentrate on your abdominal muscles to completely empty your lungs.
Pranayama
Pranayama is a breathing technique found in the practice of yoga. A more literal definition of pranayama is "control of energy," according to the Yoga Journal website. The idea of pranayama breathing is to breathe consciously and evenly, guiding your breath so it is smooth and steady. The key is to make every inhalation and exhalation the same, according to the Yoga Journal website. Pranayama breathing helps to increase the quality of your breath.
Papworth Method
The Papworth method is a breathing technique that uses a series of breathing and relaxation exercises to help control breathing. This method helps reduce depression, anxiety and inappropriate breathing habits, according to the Physorg website. The Papworth method involves using diaphragmatic breathing, encourages nose breathing over mouth breathing and helps to develop a breathing pattern suitable for particular activity. In conjunction with the breathing technique, relaxation exercises are taught.
