By Dr. Pol Miranda
It can never be overstated how important breathing is to the body. Besides the necessity of oxygen to survive, the act of breathing itself can contribute to a healthier state. Respiration is regulated by the nervous system so in essence there’s no thought necessary for this process. But what we fail to realize is that breathing can be controlled and in turn create a healthier environment for our bodies. Consciously slowing the act of breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system, the division of the autonomic nervous system that controls the “relaxation responses” of the body. When this occurs heart rate decreases, blood pressure drops and stress hormones are reduced. This creates an environment for homeostasis, a balanced and stable internal state.
Breathing not only regulates our internal organ systems but also affects our biomechanics and posture. As a chiropractor, many people come to the office complaining of neck and shoulder pain and say they “carry” stress in those areas. The “carrying” part is due to improper breathing habits. Improper breathing during stress engages accessory muscles in the neck causing shallow breaths and over time neck and shoulder pain as well as tension headaches.
Posture can also be improved by proper breathing habits. For example, diaphragmatic breathing or belly breathing relaxes the muscles in the neck and shoulders, opens the chest cavity and allows more oxygen into the lungs. This in turn gently rolls the shoulders back and straightens the thoracic spine or mid-back. It also relaxes tension in lower back muscles that work hard to hold us erect. Practicing proper breathing habits will not only improve the way your body functions but also help you be aware of improper biomechanics and posture. So, the next time you’re at work, feeling stressed or just want to relax, take a deep breath and relearn how to breathe.
Dr. Pol Miranda, DC graduated from Los Angeles Chiropractic College in 2011. He has been practicing bodywork for over 20 years. Please visit somerspointchiro.com or call the Somers Point Chiropractic office at 609-653-8300 to book an appointment.
