The Science Of Breathwork Therapy

By Nancy Gardner


Allopathic doctors have made it a habit to ignore the rise in interest over holistic medicine. They have attempted to marginalize it entirely, but too many people wish to find better treatments for disease, and the millions of people without health insurance created a vacuum as well. The methods of breathwork therapy are merely one example of therapies being sought.

In order to utilize this therapeutic approach, both the doctor and the patient must be willing to acknowledge that there is a connection between the mind and the body. The ancient healers held that the thoughts of the mind could impact the health of the body, and this notion is being renewed. This is not an easy perspective for a very linear-thinking individual to embrace.

Many individuals who follow occult-type spiritual practices, also known as the New Age Movement, strongly believe in the mind and body connection. Some will take it so far that they fake being cheerful, actually afraid that any negative thoughts may make them sick. Being afraid to think negative thoughts certainly takes the notion too far in the other direction; however, it has been documented in the treatment of cancer patients that one who suffers depression is less likely to win their battle than one with a more cheery disposition.

Deeper breathing helps to calm the mind. Psychologists have begun to utilize these methods to treat a host of psychological issues, and they have found great success in treating those who suffer panic attacks. Because a panic attack can cause one to hyperventilate, a patient who is able to control their breath can actually help themselves through these moments of anxiety.

Helping adults with Asperger Syndrome to get through anxious moments is one area that this treatment has shown great results. This is helpful both to the autistic adult, as well as anyone who helps care for or watch over them. Panic attacks afflict many people, but none so dramatic as one who falls within the autistic spectrum.

The treatment is obviously helpful to those with asthma or COPD, as regular practice of deep breathing helps the lungs to expand more and allows more air to flow. Anyone with these ailments knows that they are tested for their oxygen saturation, and if it is low they could be in trouble. Deep breathing exercises definitely help keep the blood oxygenated.

The average person will take in more shallow breaths that only fill the lungs. However, we all take in deeper breaths through yawning, which fill the diaphragm and brings oxygen to an area with blood vessels that are more shallow than in the lungs. Yawning is the natural way to maintain a proper O2 saturation, which tells us that the body is already programmed to do what these exercises promote.

For anyone facing serious illness, seeking the advice of your doctor about any additional treatments is highly recommended. It is important that the patient has a physician who appreciates their desire for the whole-body approach to wellness. Anyone who has fought such battles already knows, we must all play an active role in our own struggle to regain health and vitality.




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