We breathe in and out about 20,000 times every day, without giving much thought to this essential function. But many people are breathing the wrong way — that is, getting less oxygen than their bodies need!
Studies show that anxiety sufferers tend to take shallow breaths from their chest. This can lead to hyperventilation, which causes a loss of carbon dioxide in the blood and can result in intense physical symptoms that are very similar to panic attacks.
In her book Oxycise!, Jill Johnson explains that “our society has become a bunch of chest breathers and hence suffers from numerous maladies including obesity, hyperventilation, and panic disorders. Chest breathing means you only expand the rib cage during breathing. Even though it may look more dramatic, it is an inefficient form of breathing because only minimal air can enter and leave the lungs, which results in shallow and rapid breaths.”
People who practice shallow breathing are receiving less oxygen than they really need. Why? Because shallow breathing uses only the top third of the lungs, where there is less blood flow. To access the lower lobes of the lungs, where the blood supply is rich and the oxygen-exchange is much more efficient, you have to take in deep, full breaths.
How is your own breathing? Take a breath and see! If your chest or shoulders move when you breathe, you’re probably breathing from your chest. The good news is that correct breathing can be relearned, and Jill Johnson can teach you how!
The whole Oxycise! program is based on deep breathing. An Oxycise! workout combines the power of deep breathing with a gentle, non-impact aerobic workout that increases toning, strength and flexibility. Best of all, it provides extra life-giving oxygen to every part of your body!
