The diaphragm is a large, dome-shaped muscle below the lungs and is the most efficient muscle for breathing, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Diaphragmatic breathing contrasts with chest breathing, which tends to be more shallow. Diaphragmatic breathing has benefits for people with lung disease, people who experience anxiety attacks and those looking for improvement in their singing skills.
Benefits for COPD
Diaphragmatic breathing strengthens the diaphragm and also uses the abdominal muscles to breathe, as explained by the Cleveland Clinic. This provides more power for emptying the lungs so they can be refilled with fresh new air. With the lungs emptying and filling more effectively, the individual's breathing rate slows, decreasing the work of the lungs and the demand for oxygen. The person can breathe with less effort. This is particularly beneficial for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes emphysema and chronic obstructive bronchitis.
Benefits for Anxiety
Knowing how to control breathing helps a person remain calm when he feels short of breath. This is a benefit not only for individuals with COPD but for people prone to anxiety and panic attacks as noted by AnxietyPanic.com. Shallow breathing using the chest can disrupt the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide, which makes people feel a need for more air and aggravates anxiety symptoms. People having an anxiety or panic attack tend to breathe too rapidly and deeply (hyperventilation), according to Net Doctor. This type of breathing lowers blood levels of carbon dioxide and is the reason that breathing into a paper bag is a traditional remedy for hyperventilation.
Benefits for Singing
During normal restful activity, people tend to inhale and exhale more shallowly and evenly because the body doesn't need as much oxygen as it does during singing, as explained by vocal technique instructor Karyn O'Connor writing at SingWise.com. Singing requires quick and deep inhalation to sing during a slow and steady exhalation. The greater need for breathing energy is assisted by diaphragmatic breathing, with more muscle control supporting the work of the diaphragm and lungs.
