08.02.2011, 17:05 3796

Proper breathing - good health

Studies have revealed poor breathing causes or worsens chronic maladies such as asthma, allergies, anxiety, fatigue, depression, headaches, heart conditions, high blood pressure, sleep loss, obesity and other harmful conditions, Kazakhstan Today reports.

Almaty. February 8. Kazakhstan Today - Studies have revealed poor breathing causes or worsens chronic maladies such as asthma, allergies, anxiety, fatigue, depression, headaches, heart conditions, high blood pressure, sleep loss, obesity and other harmful conditions, Kazakhstan Today reports.

"A lot of people know little about the importance of proper breathing for health," noted Gisela Schmachtenberg, chairwoman of the Berlin-based Working and Research Group on Respiratory Education and Therapy, Deutsche Presse-Agentur reported.

Someone under emotional stress or with tensed muscles usually breathes shallowly, high in the chest. This is no problem so long it is temporary.

"Continual shallow breathing can result in functional disorders such as digestive problems or even cardiac arrhythmias, however," warned Britta Jacob, a respiratory therapist in Hamburg.

"A person's breathing is as individual as his or her fingerprint," Jacob said. What is more, one's manner of breathing changes with the situation and circumstances. Someone in a good mood instinctively breathes properly: deeply through the nose and with the diaphragm. This raises and lowers the lungs, which also visibly raises and lowers the abdominal wall.

"Our internal organs are literally massaged," Jacob said. At the same time, the body takes in sufficient amounts of oxygen and metabolism is stimulated.

Respiratory therapy helps people suffering from respiratory illnesses such as asthma or chronic bronchitis, or who have migraines or pains in joints or muscles.

In cases of severe, incurable illnesses like pulmonary fibrosis, it can ease the symptoms and improve the quality of life. Actors, musicians and teachers can strengthen their voices with respiratory therapy, which is also used to treat panic attacks, burnout and depression.

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