What Is Breathing Therapy?
Breathing or respiratory practice can be utilized in a therapeutic setting to enhance respiratory health and calm your nervous system. In a healthcare setting, it can help you breathe more effectively while partaking in physical activity, overcoming disorders, increasing lung capacity, or managing lung disease. However, registered respiratory therapists can also teach patients how to use conscious breathing to improve mental health and overall wellness.
Respiratory Therapy
Breathing practice is a central tenet of mindfulness, a movement growing out of humanistic psychology. Mindfulness involves focusing your mind and body on specific experiences, thoughts, or sensations. It can help individuals reduce stress and symptoms of many mental health conditions, like anxiety and depression. Respiratory therapy may help individuals feel in control of their bodies and reduce physical symptoms related to anxiety.
Respiratory therapist
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers in respiratory therapy are growing and respiratory therapists are in demand. A registered respiratory therapist works and treats patients in various settings, including the following.
Hospitals
In hospitals, respiratory therapists may offer the following care:
- Essential life support in emergency rooms
- Neonatal intensive care for premature infants
- Diagnostic tests, treatments for lung conditions, and lung cancer, blood-gas analysis, and measurements of carbon dioxide levels within a medical setting
Nursing homes
In nursing homes, respiratory therapists may:
- Assess the clinical components of respiratory health in patients
- Work with other healthcare professionals to educate patients about lung wellness
- Provide respiratory therapy for the aging population
- Implement respiratory therapy programs to help assess lung capacity and provide quality care
Cardiopulmonary rehabilitation centers
Due to their knowledge of human anatomy, many respiratory therapists work in outpatient rehabilitation centers treating patients and providing chest physiotherapy to individuals who have had accidents, experienced lung or pulmonary disease, or require respiratory care.
Respiratory therapists and mental health
In psychology, respiratory therapists may help you recognize your breath patterns, bringing awareness to your body, thoughts, and feelings. Working with respiratory therapists may help you develop skills for reducing anxiety or panic attacks.
Mindfulness therapy
Mindfulness is an increasingly accepted and widespread meditative practice borrowed from Buddhism. It is a combination of practices promoted by humanistic psychologists that began in the mid-20th century and was used by various Eastern religions for centuries.
The fact that some elements of mindfulness exercises derive from religious or spiritual practices does not necessarily mean that breathing techniques are considered religious. The techniques used in meditation and mindfulness can be practiced in a secular form and may or may not be connected to your religion or spirituality.
Stress can restrict lung function, and mindfulness promotes awareness of breath to increase this function. This idea was first introduced to psychology by the humanistic psychologist Carl Rogers. Rogers, the founder of "person-centered therapy," promoted his version of mindfulness, which he called existential living, as one of his five critical elements of person-centered therapy. To Rogers, existential living meant being aware of and appreciating the present without trying to tie its significance to past or future events.
Mindfulness practices to exercise
Many people experience racing thoughts and may notice that their mind continues to think throughout the day, even when they are not trying to. While you are doing the dishes, taking a shower, driving, or watching TV, you may notice thoughts come and go. However, you might notice that you do not consciously focus on your bodily functions. They may just occur. In Buddhism and other practices, this phenomenon may be called the "monkey mind."
The monkey mind concept is similar to the "subconscious mind" idea proposed by Sigmund Freud in the early 20th century. You may not always be aware of what your mind is thinking or the way you are acting. As a result, mindfulness can train the mind to be more aware of every action and to stay in the present moment. One popular method of awareness is mindfulness exercises.
Mindfulness therapy exercises to try
Breathing is a tool in mindfulness meditation and respiratory therapy because it can be noticeable but not distracting. As a result, focusing on your breath may help you increase focus in general. Below is information about the exercises you can try to increase your body and mind awareness and calm yourself in a stressful situation.
Mindfulness therapy at home to breathe better
Adding breathing practices to your daily routine can have benefits for your mental health. To practice these, do the following:
- Sit or lie down in a comfortable position for the duration of your practice. Your legs should lay straight or bend at the knees with your feet flat on the floor. Whatever position you pick, try to maintain it once you begin your meditation.
- Next, settle into the pose and focus on your breathing. You do not have to try to breathe in a certain way. Continue to breathe naturally, and note how it feels as you breathe in and out.
- Focus on how your mental state or sensations change as you breathe.
- Consider focusing on other senses as well, such as the feeling of sitting or a breeze from a window.
- Repeat the process for as long as necessary.
Try starting with at least two minutes and gradually increasing to ten minutes. Aim to practice this two or three times each week. You might also benefit from daily practice. Studies show that ten minutes of mindfulness or meditation daily can benefit your mental health.
If you get distracted by your thoughts, acknowledge the thought and return to your practice. If it continues to repeat, continue acknowledging it and sending it on its way until it stops. When your practice is done, consider the thoughts that entered and what they might mean.
Diaphragmatic practice as breathing exercises
Diaphragmatic breathing is the scientific term for belly breathing. The goal of this is to slow down and use less energy to breathe. It gets the name from the deep inhales that make the abdominal muscles expand with air.
To practice diaphragmatic breathing, close your eyes or relax your focus. Take a long slow breath through your nose. Note how many seconds you spend inhaling and try to exhale for a second or two longer than you inhale. Repeat if necessary.
Think about the breaths filling your lungs from the bottom through the top and completely emptying your lungs from top to bottom. Ensure you allow your abdomen and chest to move in and out with each breath. Your chest and abdomen may expand when you inhale and contract or "deflate" when you exhale.
One of the benefits of this technique is that you do not have to be sitting in a chair. Diaphragmatic breathing can be done anywhere, in any position, and takes seconds instead of minutes. Further, while you may find it soothing to practice daily, you can practice any time you feel stressed. There may be apps you can download for your smartphone which also guide you.
Holotropic breathwork exercise
Holotropic breathwork involves the body, mind, and spirit in harmony, unity, stability, and unbrokenness. During this therapy, patients lay on their backs while the respiratory therapist induces consciousness alteration by playing music and guiding the participants through specific exercises. The mental remedy may be conducted in groups so patients can serve as support for each other.
Total capacity of lung health may be required before participation is allowed in a holotropic practice, as it is focused on mental health and not physical health.
After the deep respiration and bodywork sessions, patients may discuss what they have learned about themselves with the professional instructor.
Pursed lip breath technique
Pursed lip breathing is a therapeutic technique that can be used to increase respiratory performance to full capacity while slowing down. During anxiety attacks and other mental health episodes, people may experience shortness of breath. Studies have shown that these exercises can help people regain control of their ventilation and oxygenation. To practice this, inhale deeply through the nose and exhale through puckered lips.
Stress responses: How breathing can help control stress
Stress can be a natural and healthy biological response to external stimuli that allows individuals to focus and work efficiently. However, in extreme circumstances, or for people with anxiety disorders and related conditions, the stress response can be incongruent with the circumstances or become chronically hyper-aroused. In these cases, counseling with a respiratory therapist may be beneficial.
When you are in a stressful situation, your body's automatic response system changes your heart rate to increase your ability to fight, flee, or freeze. However, this response can cause your breath to be shallow and ineffective. You may influence the unconscious controls that occur when you are under stress by working with a respiratory therapist. Work like this can help you understand your conscious control of breath.
Diaphragmatic breathing may reverse the body's stress response to prevent a panic attack before it begins. The process allows your diaphragm comes down and pushes your stomach into place. This stimulates the vagus nerve, which can initiate an immediate calming response throughout the body.
The role of respiration
These exercises may not only control panic attacks by stimulating the vagus nerve. These techniques could also help your body rid itself of toxins. Respiration is the action performed by our lungs when we breathe in oxygen and breathe out its waste product, carbon dioxide. This exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide can help cells carry out their purpose.
What is breathing therapy? Diaphragmatic breathing is an exercising technique for chest and stomach muscles
When you take quick, shallow breaths, it may prevent your lungs from working as usual. If your oxygen and carbon dioxide levels are imbalanced, you may feel restricted in your lungs or experience headaches. Diaphragmatic breathing may allow you to maintain proper oxygen balance by increasing the amount of oxygen you take with each breath while ensuring that you are ridding your body of carbon dioxide.
Takeaway
You can use several practices to manage your breathing or prevent anxiety and fear. However, if you experience frequent panic attacks, feel unable to focus, or experience distressing thoughts, it may be beneficial to contact a trained mental health professional. A therapist may have further techniques to support you in increasing your respiratory and mental health. You can also find a therapist online if you face barriers to in-person treatment.
A therapist who works through an online platform can offer breathing and talk therapy.Research published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research shows that people who used BetterHelp experienced a significant reduction in depression symptoms. Through many online platforms, like BetterHelp, you can match with a counselor and gain worksheets, therapeutic suggestions, and mental health webinars through your device. You can get matched with a therapist in 24 to 48 hours.What is a breathing therapist called?
A breathing therapist is also known as a certified respiratory therapist or respiratory care practitioner (RCP). These professionals are trained to diagnose, monitor, and treat patients with cardiopulmonary disorders such as asthma, emphysema, pneumonia, bronchitis, and other conditions resulting in reduced lung functioning.
What is breathing therapy, and does it help with breathing?
Respiratory therapy helps individuals with cardiopulmonary issues to manage their conditions so they can breathe more easily.
Why would you see a respiratory specialist for your breath problems?
You would see a respiratory therapist if you were experiencing symptoms like shortness of breath, persistent coughing, chest pains, or other cardiopulmonary symptoms. Individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, pneumonia, or other lung conditions would also see a respiratory specialist.
What are the seven most common lung diseases?
Although there are several serious lung diseases, the seven most common include:
- Asthma
This chronic respiratory condition causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways, potentially leading to symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. Asthma symptoms are sometimes triggered by factors like allergens, air pollution, exercise, and respiratory infections. Risk factors for developing asthma include a family history of asthma or having a severe respiratory illness during childhood. Respiratory allergies can also increase one’s risk of developing asthma.
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
COPD is a chronic lung disease characterized by inflammation and limited airflow in the lungs. The disease is typically caused by long-term exposure to airborne irritants such as cigarette smoke, pollution, or substances like asbestos. Symptoms vary depending on the type of COPD one has (emphysema or chronic bronchitis). They may include frequent coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, swelling in the legs and feet, weakness, and blue coloring in the lips or fingernails. If not adequately managed, symptoms can progressively worsen over time.
- Bronchitis
Bronchitis is an irritation or inflammation of the bronchial tubes, which carry air to and from the lungs. Acute bronchitis is typically caused by a viral infection like the cold or flu. In contrast, chronic bronchitis is a type of COPD and is typically caused by smoking or long-term exposure to airborne pollutants. Bronchitis symptoms include tightness in the chest, shortness of breath, and persistent cough.
- Pneumonia
Pneumonia is a blanket term referring to conditions in which there is an inflammation in the air sacs in one or both lungs. Pneumonia can be viral, bacterial, or fungal. Symptoms typically vary depending on the cause and severity of the infection but often include phlegmy cough, fever, chills, chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue. In some cases, people with pneumonia might have nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
- Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic disorder in which an individual produces thick, sticky mucus that affects the lungs and digestive system. Symptoms may vary but typically include frequent lung infections, persistent coughing, trouble breathing, and digestive issues like difficulty with bowel movements or frequent greasy stools.
- Tuberculosis (TB)
TB is a bacterial infection that can be spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It primarily affects the lungs, but it can also affect other parts of the body, such as the spine, kidneys, and brain. Symptoms may include a persistent cough that may produce bloody mucus, chest pain, loss of appetite leading to weight loss, fatigue, fever, and night sweats. TB can be latent, meaning the bacteria may be present in the body but don’t cause symptoms. It can also be active, where the bacteria multiply and cause symptoms.
- Lung cancer
Lung cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the lungs and can spread to other parts of the body. It is one of the most common types of cancer and a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. There are two types: non-small cell carcinoma and small cell carcinoma. Symptoms of lung cancer can vary, but the most common include chest pain, shortness of breath, coughing up blood, persistent cough, wheezing, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss.
Is a pulmonologist the same as a respiratory therapist?
While pulmonologists and respiratory therapists both treat patients with breathing conditions, there are differences between the two. In short, pulmonologists are medical doctors who diagnose and treat respiratory diseases. As such, they must complete the extensive educational and residency required to earn the title. Respiratory therapists are medical professionals who care for their patients under the direction of a physician. Often, pulmonologists and respiratory therapists work together to provide more comprehensive care.
How do I breathe properly with my chest and stomach muscles?
Proper breathing can support overall health and well-being in so many ways— both physically and mentally. Here are some tips on how to breathe properly:
- Practice breathing deeply from the diaphragm rather than the chest. To do this, place one hand on your chest and another on your abdomen. Inhale deeply through your nose and feel your abdomen expand, then exhale to feel it contract. Repeat as needed.
- Focus on breathing slowly and steadily. Try to aim for a regular rhythm as you inhale and exhale at a controlled pace. Counting to four as you inhale and counting to four as you exhale may help.
- Maintain good posture by sitting up or standing up straight with your shoulders back to encourage optimal lung expansion.
Who can treat breathing problems?
Pulmonologists are specifically trained to diagnose and treat conditions that cause problems with breathing. Treating breathing problems often begins with avoiding “triggers” such as allergens that can exacerbate a cardiopulmonary condition. A pulmonologist may prescribe oral or nasal medications to make it easier to breathe, depending on the type of condition one has. These might include decongestants, antihistamines, and steroids.
Is it good to take a breathing treatment when you have a hard time to breathe?
Breathing treatments can be highly beneficial for individuals with respiratory conditions such as asthma or COPD. Medications are pumped into the lungs using a nebulizer or inhaler during these treatments. Nebulizers use an air compressor to deliver the medication via inhalation through a mouthpiece or face mask. An inhaler contains the medication in a canister that is released as an aerosol when it’s activated. Some inhalers work orally, and some work by discharging the medication directly into the nose.
How do you become a breathing expert?
Breathwork coaches typically develop their own personal practice while attending classes, workshops, or retreats led by experienced practitioners where they’ll learn about different breathwork techniques.
Then, the potential coach must receive formal training in techniques and principles of breathwork delivered by an accredited or recognized organization. This may include completing a breathwork facilitator certification course online or in person. These types of programs can be shorter or more extensive, depending on the level of expertise you’re interested in attaining.
Once your training is complete, you might work under the supervision of an experienced breath coach who can provide additional guidance and help you gain experience with clients. After establishing your own practice, continuing your education through workshops, summits, webinars, and other training opportunities is essential to learn about the latest research and techniques.
What are proper breathing and breathing exercises called?
Diaphragmatic breathing techniques are generally considered the standard in proper breathing techniques.
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