Seven Amazing Benefits Of Diaphragmatic Breathing

Diaphragmatic breathing , also called abdominal breathing or calm breathing, provides tranquility and a sense of well-being to the person who practices it regularly.

This breathing technique is very common in various forms of yoga or mindfulness. However, it goes without saying that apart from these practices intrinsically linked to Buddhism and meditation, we don’t often practice diaphragmatic breathing in our daily lives.

In fact, it’s quite rare that we consciously think about the way we breathe.

Yet, interestingly enough, scientists at Stanford University have developed a very intriguing study showing how we can benefit from this way of breathing.

In fact, Mark Krasnow, biochemist and second author of this work, explains that they have identified a small group of neurons associated with diaphragmatic breathing :

• relaxation
• the ability to pay attention
• efficiency when it comes to regulating emotions and reducing anxiety

What we are undoubtedly dealing with here is a simple and accessible strategy. A strategy that we should all put into practice. All you have to do is open your mouth and take a deep, calm, slow breath.

Have you been doing this for a long time? Awesome! Then we will now show you how you can benefit from this breathing technique.

1. Diaphragmatic Breathing Regulates Stress and Anxiety

Breathing is an act that we perform both consciously and unconsciously.

• We inhale oxygen to obtain and create energy at the cellular level.
• Then we inhale carbon dioxide, a byproduct of cellular respiration.

This process is almost magical and benefits in exceptional ways when performed slowly, rhythmically and deeply.

However, one thing that most of us have experienced at least once in our lives is that our breathing falters and becomes very fast when we are scared or panicked. In other words, the breathing process is broken and modified, causing us to suffer from oxygen deficiency.

Fortunately, diaphragmatic breathing can help regulate the parasympathetic nervous system to promote a state of relaxation. This ensures that both the heart and the mind become calm.

By supplying our body with oxygen more slowly, steadily and more evenly, our muscles will be less tense. When this happens, our sympathetic nervous system will no longer send high cortisol and adrenaline spikes to our body. Our whole body and mind will enter a state of rest.

2. Eliminates Toxins

This is an interesting fact: our bodies are designed to expel some of the toxins it contains from the body when we exhale.

Carbon dioxide is a natural waste product that arises from the metabolic processes of our body and therefore must be regularly removed from the body. However, when our lungs get used to breathing fast and short, our body is unable to remove all these wastes.

It would therefore be very beneficial for all of us if we were aware of this. All in all , it would be wise to take ten minutes deep breaths at least two or three times a day.

3. Diaphragmatic Breathing Reduces Pain

Something we often unconsciously do when we experience pain is hold our breath. This is a natural mechanism in the brain that is triggered when we receive a blow or are injured.

However, if you suffer from chronic and frequent pain, such as arthritis, lupus or fibromyalgia, it is better to take a deep breath rather than hold your breath.

Try holding your breath for a few seconds, then inhale and exhale slowly and deeply. In this way you will create endorphins. These are natural painkillers that the body creates itself.

4. Helps to improve your posture

Something as simple as diaphragmatic breathing can help you improve your posture and, most importantly, make your axis stronger and straighter. By filling your lungs with air, you stimulate your spine to adopt a harmonious, balanced and correct posture. Give it a try!

5. Diaphragmatic Breathing Stimulates the Lymphatic System

The lymphatic system is an essential part of the body’s immune system and consists of a complex network of:

• lymphatic vessels
• tissues
• organs
• lymph nodes

They perform a variety of different functions.

One of the functions that the lymph fluid performs is to remove dead cells and other waste from the body.

Diaphragmatic breathing will help us accomplish this by ensuring that lymphatic fluid can flow properly through our body. This allows our body to function more efficiently.

6. Take care of our hearts

It might be interesting to know that diaphragmatic breathing is also a type of cardio workout, which uses fat as energy. In contrast, strength training uses glucose as energy. However, if you got used to breathing daily from your diaphragm, this would do a great cardio routine.

This will greatly improve your cardiovascular health and your body will burn more fat.

7. Diaphragmatic Breathing Improves Digestion

Diaphragmatic breathing can even help improve your digestion. It’s super simple. By providing your body with more oxygen in a more proportional way, you also provide your digestive organs with more oxygen. This enables these organs to perform their tasks more efficiently.

In addition, this technique can help to promote blood circulation and stimulate bowel movements.

But we should also not forget that this breathing technique also regulates the nervous system. This will make you calmer and your digestion can be carried out in a calmer and more efficient way. Your body will be even better able to absorb nutrients!

Have we convinced you of the amazing benefits of this breathing technique? Start today and you will see that you will feel better by the day!

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