Why is Breathing Important for our Well-being?

Breathing is an essential and often overlooked aspect of our well-being. It’s a fundamental process that keeps us alive, providing our bodies with the oxygen necessary for energy and overall health. In this blog, we will delve into the science of breathing, understanding its intricacies, the different breathing patterns and the profound impact it has on our well-being.

Breathing is at the core of our existence, acting as the key way we take in oxygen and release carbon dioxide. Oxygen is vital for cellular respiration, the process through which our cells convert nutrients into energy. Without proper oxygenation, our cells would struggle to function optimally, leading to a cascade of health issues. Proper breathing is not just about staying alive; it also helps manage stress, promotes relaxation and boosts mental clarity.

What is Breathing?

At its core, breathing, or respiration, is the process of taking in oxygen (inhalation) and expelling carbon dioxide (exhalation) through the lungs. Inhalation is the act of taking in air, specifically oxygen, from the environment into the lungs. During inhalation, the diaphragm (a dome-shaped muscle below the lungs) contracts and the ribcage expands. These actions create a vacuum within the chest cavity, causing air to rush into the lungs to equalise the pressure.

Exhalation is the process of expelling air, which now contains carbon dioxide, from the lungs back into the environment. During exhalation, the diaphragm relaxes, and the ribcage contracts, reducing the volume in the chest cavity. As a result, air is pushed out of the lungs.

The exchange of gases occurs in the tiny air sacs called alveoli, which are clustered at the end of bronchioles in the lungs. Oxygen from the inhaled air diffuses across the thin walls of the alveoli and into the bloodstream, binding with haemoglobin in red blood cells to be transported to cells throughout the body. At the same time, carbon dioxide, a waste product produced by cells during metabolism, diffuses from the blood into the alveoli and is expelled during exhalation.

How Do You Breathe? Is There a Right Way to Breathe?

Breathing is an involuntary process controlled by the autonomic nervous system. However, conscious control of breathing patterns can positively influence our well-being. Many people ask if there is a right way to breathe and the simple answer is that it varies among individuals. A healthy at-rest breathing rate brings around 6 litres of air into the lungs per minute, which is accomplished by taking 12-20 shallow-to-moderate breaths per minute.

Is breathing through your nose better?

The vast majority of people primarily breathe through their noses during normal activities. Nasal breathing is the most natural and optimal mode of breathing during everyday activities for various reasons, including the filtration, humidification and warming of the air entering the respiratory system. This natural and instinctive method of breathing has several important physiological functions and benefits for overall health.

Key Benefits of Nasal Breathing:

While mouth breathing is a normal response during certain activities, such as talking, eating or heavy physical exertion, chronic or habitual mouth breathing, especially during rest or sleep, can have various implications for health. Here are some reasons why mouth breathing can affect our health:

• Increased Risk of Infections: The nose plays a crucial role in defending against respiratory infections. When breathing through the mouth, airborne pathogens may have a more direct route to the respiratory system, potentially increasing the risk of infections.
• Sleep Disruptions: Chronic mouth breathing during sleep can contribute to snoring and may be associated with sleep-disordered breathing conditions, such as sleep apnea. These conditions can lead to fragmented sleep, fatigue and other health issues.
• Breathing Pattern Irregularities: Mouth breathing often involves more shallow and rapid breaths, which may result in inefficient gas exchange in the lungs. Shallow breathing can activate the sympathetic nervous system, contributing to stress and anxiety.
• Elevated Stress Response: Chronic mouth breathing can contribute to an increased stress response. Nasal breathing, on the other hand, tends to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation.

While mouth breathing is a natural response in certain situations, it is essential to address chronic or habitual mouth breathing, especially during rest or sleep, to mitigate potential health impacts.

Types of Breathing Patterns

The art of breathing is a fundamental aspect of our daily existence and the way we breathe can significantly impact our physical and mental well-being. Two primary techniques, belly breathing and chest breathing, offer distinct approaches to the breath, each with its unique benefits. Understanding these techniques allows us to tailor our breathing to specific situations, harnessing their advantages for optimal outcomes. Let’s delve into the nuances of belly and chest breathing, unveiling the science behind each method and providing insights into how we can choose the most effective technique based on the demands of the moment. Whether seeking relaxation, increased focus or a surge of energy, the ability to navigate between these two breathing styles becomes a valuable tool in our journey toward optimum well-being.

Belly Breathing

Belly breathing, also known as diaphragmatic breathing and stomach breathing, offers a range of physical, mental and emotional benefits. This breathing technique engages the diaphragm, a dome-shaped muscle that separates the chest and abdominal cavities, promoting a deeper and more efficient breath. Here are some reasons why you should try belly breathing:

Benefits of Belly Breathing:

• Improved Oxygenation: Belly breathing allows for a fuller exchange of gases in the lungs, maximising oxygen intake. Enhanced oxygenation supports cellular respiration, promoting optimal energy production within the body.
• Stress Reduction: Diaphragmatic breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system, often referred to as the “rest and digest” system. This activation leads to a reduction in stress hormones such as cortisol and promotes a sense of calm and relaxation.
• Enhanced Mental Clarity: Increased oxygen flow to the brain improves cognitive function, concentration and mental clarity. Belly breathing is often used in mindfulness and Sophrology practices to enhance focus and awareness. 
• Improved Respiratory Function: Engaging the diaphragm helps strengthen respiratory muscles, improving overall respiratory function. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals with respiratory conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
• Enhanced Core Muscle Engagement: Diaphragmatic breathing promotes the engagement of core muscles, including the abdominal muscles. Regular practice can contribute to improved core strength and stability.
• Better Posture: Belly breathing encourages a more natural and efficient use of the diaphragm, which, in turn, supports better posture. Improved posture can reduce strain on the neck and shoulders and contribute to overall musculoskeletal health.
• Reduced Tension: The relaxation response triggered by belly breathing can help alleviate tension in the body, particularly in the neck, shoulders and chest. It is often recommended as a technique for stress management and tension relief.
• Support for Digestive Health: The rhythmic movement of the diaphragm during belly breathing can have a massaging effect on the abdominal organs. This gentle massage may support digestive processes and alleviate symptoms such as bloating and indigestion.
• Mind-Body Connection: Practising belly breathing fosters a heightened awareness of the mind-body connection. This increased awareness can lead to a better understanding of the relationship between breath, emotions and overall well-being.
• Promotion of Relaxation: The deep, slow breaths associated with belly breathing activate the body’s relaxation response. This can be beneficial for managing stress, anxiety and promoting a general sense of well-being.

Chest Breathing

Chest breathing, also known as shallow breathing, is a breathing pattern characterised by limited expansion of the diaphragm and a predominant use of the chest muscles during inhalation and exhalation. There are a couple of benefits to this breathing technique.

Benefits of Chest Breathing

• Quick Energy Boost: In situations requiring rapid energy, chest breathing can provide a quick burst of oxygen to the bloodstream, temporarily increasing alertness.
• Accessible in Stressful Situations: In high-stress situations, chest breathing is often more accessible and can help manage acute stress responses.
• Useful in Specific Activities: Chest breathing may be suitable for activities requiring rapid and shallow breaths, such as certain types of exercise or singing.

Effects of Shallow Breathing:

This type of breathing is often faster and shallower than belly breathing. While shallow breathing is a natural response to stress or acute situations, chronic or habitual shallow breathing can have negative effects on both physical and mental well-being. Here’s why shallow breathing is not as beneficial as belly breathing:

• Reduced Oxygen Intake: Shallow breathing limits the depth of inhalation, leading to a decreased intake of oxygen. Insufficient oxygenation can compromise cellular respiration, impacting the body’s ability to produce energy efficiently.
• Increased Stress Response: Chest breathing tends to activate the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the “fight or flight” response to stress. Chronic activation of the stress response can contribute to heightened anxiety, increased heart rate and elevated levels of stress hormones like cortisol.
• Muscle Tension and Fatigue: Shallow breathing can contribute to tension in the neck and shoulder muscles as these muscles are overused during chest breathing. Prolonged tension can lead to muscle fatigue, and discomfort and may contribute to headaches and other musculoskeletal issues.
• Poor Posture: Chest breathing is associated with a more shallow and vertical movement of the chest, which can contribute to poor posture. Over time, poor posture may lead to issues such as back pain and decreased lung capacity.
• Limited Diaphragmatic Engagement: Shallow breathing minimises the engagement of the diaphragm, a key respiratory muscle. The diaphragm is crucial for efficient breathing and optimal oxygen exchange in the lungs.
• Less Efficient Carbon Dioxide Removal: Shallow breathing may result in inadequate removal of carbon dioxide from the body. Elevated carbon dioxide levels can contribute to feelings of breathlessness, dizziness and other respiratory symptoms.
• Impact on Emotional Well-Being: The mind and body are closely connected, and breathing patterns can influence emotions. Shallow breathing may contribute to feelings of anxiety and stress, as the body interprets rapid, shallow breaths as a signal of distress.
• Inefficient Use of Respiratory Muscles: Chest breathing relies more on the accessory muscles of the neck and shoulders, rather than the diaphragm. This can lead to inefficient use of respiratory muscles and may contribute to fatigue and discomfort.

In contrast, belly breathing, or diaphragmatic breathing, involves the active engagement of the diaphragm, allowing for deeper and more controlled breaths. This type of breathing optimises oxygen intake, promotes relaxation through the activation of the parasympathetic nervous system and supports efficient respiratory function. Regular practice of belly breathing can counteract the negative effects associated with shallow breathing, promoting overall well-being and a healthier relationship with one’s breath.

Is There Such a Thing as Overbreathing?

While breathing is vital, over-breathing, or hyperventilation, can have adverse effects on our well-being. Most people “overbreathe,” averaging 15-to-18 breaths per minute. Hyperventilation leads to a decrease in carbon dioxide levels, disrupting the balance of gases in the blood. This can result in symptoms such as dizziness, tingling sensations and muscle spasms. When the brain doesn’t receive enough oxygen, it can become hyper-excitable, which can cause difficulty focusing and anxiety. It is essential to maintain a balance and rhythm in breathing to avoid the pitfalls of over-breathing.

Summary: Belly Breathing vs. Chest Breathing

Recognising various breathing patterns is essential for optimising respiratory function and enhancing overall well-being. Here is a brief summary of the differences between belly breathing and chest breathing:

Belly Breathing:

• Involves the contraction and relaxation of the diaphragm.
• Allows for deeper inhalation and more efficient oxygen exchange.
• Activates the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and stress reduction.
• Enhances core muscle engagement and improves posture.

Chest Breathing:

• Primarily uses the chest muscles for inhalation and exhalation.
• Results in shallower breaths, limiting oxygen intake and exchange.
• Activates the sympathetic nervous system, contributing to stress and anxiety.
• May lead to tension in the neck and shoulders and contribute to muscle fatigue.

Breathing extends beyond a basic physiological need; it serves as a potent tool with profound implications for our well-being. Acquiring knowledge about the scientific aspects of breathing and integrating mindful techniques like belly breathing empowers us to fully leverage this innate process. Whether through the rhythmic movement of the diaphragm or the gentle expansion of the chest, I hope you now understand why each breath we take is so important for our well-being.