Proper Breathing — Part 1: Why It’s So Important

 

 

Well, yes — more often than not, my profession doesn’t earn complete reverence. And that’s fine! But you know what makes me smile from ear to ear? When, a month after I’ve been nagging a client to do their homework, they come back showing clear, visible progress. Last week was just like that. It’s brilliant — and it reminds me why I love my work!

So — let’s talk about breathing.
Not just any breathing — proper, mindful breathing.
If you learn to breathe well, you’ll solve half your possible health problems. Really.

🔍 First Things First: What Muscles Are You Using?

Here’s a quick test:
1️⃣ Place one hand on your chest, the other on your belly (just above your navel).
2️⃣ Take a few normal breaths.
3️⃣ Which hand rises?
✅ Correct: The hand on your belly moves. That means your diaphragm is engaged — you’re breathing well.
❌ Incorrect: The chest hand moves more — you’re shallow breathing with your chest muscles.

Why Chest Breathing Can Be a Problem

If you breathe mostly with your chest, your diaphragm gets lazy.
What happens next?

  • Physical imbalances in your posture.

  • A chemical imbalance in your body’s oxygen and CO₂ exchange.

  • You’re more likely to develop hyperventilation syndrome.

Hyperventilation = you breathe shallowly and too fast, blowing out too much CO₂. This shrinks your arteries — less blood flow to your brain and organs — hello, hypoxia (lack of oxygen)!
Result? Tiredness, dizziness, brain fog, anxiety, panic attacks, poor digestion, cold hands and feet — sounds familiar?

Stress Makes It Worse

Stress, fear, even pain or some medications can trigger uncontrolled hyperventilation.
If you suddenly feel tightness in your chest, dry mouth, blurred vision, or dizziness:
✅ Slow your breathing — inhale slowly, exhale longer.
✅ Don’t bother with a paper bag — it’s not Hollywood. Focus on calming your breath instead.

Basic Rule: Use Your Belly & Nose

Always breathe through your nose — in and out.
Your nose filters and warms the air and tells your brain to regulate your whole body properly. Mouth breathing does the opposite — it dries you out, reduces oxygen efficiency, messes with blood flow, and overworks unnecessary muscles.

A Personal Note

I’ve had bronchial allergic asthma since I was 2 years old — true story! At school age, I learned to manage my attacks using Dr. Buteyko’s breathing method.
So trust me when I say: if you practice proper breathing, you’ll feel the difference.

 

02 / 07 / 2025