At school we learn algebraic equations and how to write an essay, but we are never taught how we can emotionally regulate with our own breath in times of stress.
We are never taught how to calm our parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) by using conscious and controlled breathing techniques.
It may sound trivial to discuss the health benefits of learning to breath properly. New studies reveal, however, that breath and emotion are closely linked. The way we breath can be significantly improved to feel mentally and physically better.
A person experiencing anxiety and heightened emotions such as anger will breath at a rapid but shallow rate. Likewise, a person with symptoms of depression will also tend to be shallow breathers.
Ikuo Homma, globally recognised respiratory physiologist, researched how our breathing is attuned to our fight/flight/freeze response part of the brain, the amygdala. Homma, founded the Calming Breath Project to assist people to master their emotions by conscious breathing. Homma discovered that it is possible to shift your emotional state with six deep slow breaths.
There are numerous ways to improve the way we breath that have psychological benefits. Breathwork is becoming a popular way to alleviate the bodies acute stress response and release somatic trauma symptoms stored in our nervous system. Breathwork involves various controlled breathing techniques that can make one feel emotionally calm and improve one’s overall mood.
Somatic therapies such as EMDR also use involve breathing as a way to release chronic stress. EMDR therapy is an evidence-based practise that incorporates a protocol of breathing to ground and regulate the client before and during the processing of an adverse event.
Not only does conscious breathing techniques help reduce symptoms of depression but they can promote better sleep and heart health leading to more vitality and general improved wellbeing.
If you would like to understand how controlled breathing can be learnt to improve mood or you would like to try EMDR therapy please contact me here for an appointment,