The Practice of Breathing
Breathing 2.0
We harp on breathing regularly throughout your session in physical therapy at Premier Physical Therapy Services. Many of you have been caught in the “stopped breathing zone” while attempting to do an exercise or difficult task. Although to be honest, I am sure even your therapist has done it once or twice when they are exercising. It is good for all of us to receive reminders from time to time. As you may remember from a previous blog post, breathing is important, but maybe not at the frequency we once thought. The regular number of breaths in a minute is 5-6 breaths each lasting 5-6 seconds on the inhalation and exhalation. Breathe in via the nose and exhale out of the nose or the mouth when breathing.
One facet of breathing that is missed oftentimes is the depth. This may be one of the keys to unlocking some of the difficulties that we are all having with poor oxygenation, thoracic spine hypomobility and lack of rib mobility.
The Science of Breathing
In addition to the benefits of increasing oxygenation of our blood, breathing can assist our immune system in improving function. Breathing is at the root of our immunity. It changes the blood chemistry for oxygen and carbon dioxide which changes the acid/base balance. Balancing the pH of the body assists the immune system through many cellular functions while modulating systemic inflammation. Breathing changes pressure, which moves our lymphatics and eliminates waste and toxins. Breathing also moves the food through our gut allowing improved blood flow and elimination. 70% of our immune system lives in our gut. Breathing changes the autonomic nervous system, helping us to move out of fight or flight and into healing mode.
What Does It All Mean?
So what am I saying…to simplify this more, breathing is important for life and it is important for a healthy life, with less illness. A bonus for those of you undergoing rehabilitation is that breathing helps with tissue healing. This means healing of muscle tissue, nervous tissue, connective tissue, and bone. All the ailments and injuries that you are likely attending physical therapy for right now. So when we say breathe, now you know some of the reasons why. Now take a deep breath, go forth, and live a healthy, breath-filled life.