February 1, 2024 | 47 minutes, 18 seconds
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Podcast Show Notes
In this episode of the Ayurveda Meets Modern Science podcast, host John Douillard, DC, CAP, discusses breathing. Dr. John breaks down why shallow breathing is harmful, why strengthening your diaphragm is crucial to overall health, and the how-to for many different breathing practices you can do at home.
What is Shallow Breathing? Why Is It Bad?
Shallow breathing refers to fast breaths coming from the upper chest. Most people nowadays breathe shallowly and have a weak diaphragm. This can lead to many issues.
When you shallow breathe, 75% of the oxygen you take in is breathed out without being used by the body, accompanied by carbon dioxide in excess. There has to be a balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide in your blood. When you shallow breathe, your oxygen levels increase and your carbon dioxide levels decrease. This is a perfect storm for anxiety and other health issues.
Long, slow breathing techniques such as Pratiloma give the body more time to bring in oxygen and use it efficiently, providing more time to build appropriate carbon dioxide levels.
See also How Does Pranayama Work? The Science of Breath Retention (Kumbhaka)
There is a breathing practice or pranayama for practically any issue. Please take a look at Dr. Douillard’s extensive list of in-depth articles on the science behind these breathing practices and instructional videos.
Techniques to Strengthen Digestion
- The Best Diaphragmatic Exercises: Breath Training for Better Health
- Learn Stomach Pulling for Better Digestion
- The Benefits of a Visceral Abdominal Massage
Breathing Techniques for Beginners
- All 3 videos: The Best Diaphragmatic Exercises: Breath Training for Better Health
- Strengthen Your Lungs Now: Learn Pratiloma Pranayama (or Inspiratory Muscle Training)
- Khumbaka (Breath Retention)
Nose Breathing While You Sleep
- 20 Reasons to Breathe Through Your Nose While Sleeping
- Mouth tape for sleeping: Nexcare Sensitive Skin Tape
- Body, Mind, and Sport
John’s Favorite Breathing Techniques
- Kapalabhati Pranayama: A Breathing Practice for Balancing Blood Sugar and Boosting Brainpower
- Learn Bhastrika Pranayama (Bellows Breathing)
- Learn Brahmari Pranayama
Products for Your Brain’s Lymphatic System
Additional Resources Mentioned in Podcast
- Athlete Breathing Study: Point Prevalence of the Biomechanical Dimension of Dysfunctional Breathing Patterns Among Competitive Athletes
- Connection between undigested foods and the lymphatic system: Ayurvedic Treatments for Your Lymphatic System
- Pranayama for Breast Health
- A Breathing Practice for Occasional Heartburn
- Learn a One-Minute Meditation for Quieting Your Mind
- 3 Ways to Cleanse Your Brain Lymph
