How does deep breathing promote relaxation?

Answer 1

Deep breathing, better known as diaphragmatic breathing, reduces anxiety, depression and stress, which in turn promotes relaxation.

The diaphragm serves as a pump to move fluids through the bloodstream, playing a vital role in the lymphatic system. During times of deep relaxation, it assists in expanding the lungs' capacity and can therefore trigger a deep relaxation response in the nervous system.

When you take a deep breath, oxygen is circulated through the cells of your body, filtering out carbon dioxide and other toxins. Without sufficient air, these toxins do not have the capability to move through your system effectively and detoxify the body. We need oxygen to function properly and generate new blood cells. When we breathe deeply, we increase tissue function and lift mental fogs or sluggishness. However, lack of oxygen from poor breathing can disrupt our mental clarity and our ability to sleep.

Answer 2

Ahh, great question. Honestly, there is nothing that can promote relaxation like deep breathing. If done correctly, and with awareness, breathing deep releases tension in your body, gets rid of toxins, and promotes a balanced state. Try it for yourself and see if it works; best to do at night before bedtime too. Its important to FEEL like its relaxing you as well. Hope this helps!

Todd Goldfarb
Founder, We The Change
http://www.wethechange.com

Answer 3

Watch how a baby breathes. Look at how you breathe. A baby sends the air down into their stomach. Often we start going into breathing just into the chest. This is not a full breath. Breathing into the chest instead of the stomach keeps our breaths short. It also causes a higher blood pressure. As odd as it sounds, there's many of us who hold our breath (myself included sometimes) without knowing it. This also raises blood pressure because we aren't taking oxygen into the body thoroughly. Plus, remember that your breath rate slows when you're sleeping as well. It's deeply relaxing to take long, deep breaths at a slow pace. The quick pace leaves us in a panic mode. (A side note, one of the reasons we're so tense is we're often stuck in this fight-or-flight mode. We shouldn't be there unless we're in a life or death situation, and only for a few moments. Not hours on end!)
One of the ways to help us learn to breathe better is by sending the air to the stomach. Press on your breast bone (sternum) as you inhale. This will force the air down instead of keeping it in your chest area. It helps a lot! :)

Answer 4

It sends more oxygen into your body, helps you to expel carbon dioxide and toxins more effectively, and slows down your heart rate.