When we breathe out, we just know the next breath will be there, but there is also a correct way to breathe for that reason.
A 20% reduction in oxygen blood levels may be caused by the aging process and normal breathing habits. Poor breathing robs the body of energy and negatively affects mental alertness.
Unless breathing is exercised, aging affects the respiratory system as follows:
• Stiffness – The rib cage and surrounding muscles get stiff, causing inhalation to become more difficult. Less elasticity and weak muscles leave stale air in the tissues of the lungs and prevent fresh oxygen from reaching the bloodstream.
• Rapid, shallow breathing – Often caused by poor posture and weak or stiff muscles, leads to poor oxygen supply, respiratory disease, sluggishness, or heart disease.
Belly breathing exercises:
Lie flat on your back to get a proper sense of deep breathing. Have some small pillows available to reduce strain by tucking them under the neck and knees.
The natural course of breathing in this position will create a slight rise in the stomach upon inhaling and a slight fall upon exhaling.
Place your hands palm down on your stomach at the base of the ribcage. The lungs go that far down. What fills them deeper is the pushing down of the diaphragm. The diaphragm creates a suction, which draws air into the lungs. The air is then expelled when the diaphragm pushes up.
Lay the palms of your hands on your sto-mach just below the ribcage, middle fingers barely touching each other, and take a slow deep breath.
This movement indicates full use of the lungs, resulting in a truly deep breath rather than the ‘puffed chest’ breath experienced by many as the greatest lung capacity.
Chest breathing fills the middle and upper parts of the lungs. Belly breathing is the most efficient method. Infants and small children use only this method until the chest matures.
