Breathing Part One: What are we doing wrong?

Welcome to a new Planet health series exploring how learning to breathe in a different way might improve your energy levels. Join Eric as he introduces us to simple techniques that might change your life.

Breathing can save your life!

Our most fundamental relationship with the physical universe is through the act of breathing.

In our mother’s womb we were like fish in the ocean, in a liquid medium. Out here we interact with the air and whatever it contains, warm or cool. Somehow the body takes in what it needs and delivers vital oxygen to all our cells, like a special nutrient for energy production.

It was quite a surprise to find out that I had been breathing incorrectly for years. I always heard teachers and trainers say ‘Take a deep breath’ so I just accepted it was beneficial. I didn’t know I was hyperventilating most of the time, even while sleeping.

That meant that I had lost the balance with that other important gas – carbon dioxide – which is usually described as a waste product.

Thanks to Prof. Buteyko, and other scientists before him, we now know how to breathe correctly, to give the optimal amount of oxygen to each cell.

It starts with keeping my mouth shut most of the time which will help keep me out of trouble too! Nose breathing is something I am getting used to while I take in less fresh air. I can do this during almost any activity, except where extreme exertion is needed.

As I breathe like this consciously at first, I find it becomes natural after some practice. And when biking, I find I can get up hills easier. Too often when we exercise we set numerical goals of time, distance or repetitions. Now I am guided by sensing a little ‘air hunger’ that tells me the balance of gases is shifting in favour of health.

Anytime we are called upon to make a change, to do things differently, it can feel awkward at first. I kept on noticing how different this was in a good way.

Now my mouth remains moist which makes breathing, talking and singing easier. This is especially true at night. I no longer wake in the morning with one blocked nostril and a dry mouth.

I find that I sleep less and better now. I just didn’t know I was able to affect my breathing night and day.

I also observe that my energy is steady throughout the day and my mind is clear. Since the brain uses about 25% of the energy produced by the body, anything which enhances that process can be noticed when you do a lot of mental work like I do.

Practicing Diminished Breathing keeps me calm whenever there is no need to be in a state of alert. The body appreciates any chance to rest, conserve energy and be ready for any acute stress that might arise. If I don’t respect its natural preference, my body begins to develop chronic tension which can lead to worse problems and even chronic diseases.

Anytime I learn something new, I can’t help but observe how other people act. It takes some will power not to bring this up in every conversation. I think of it this way. The healthier I am, the more I can be useful to others.

I recall being challenged by a friend to spend 24 hours without complaining – it sounds simple but it is a common way of relating to others, to focus on what isn’t working. Try it and you will learn about yourself.

What are now known as ‘lifestyle diseases’ develop over many years of doing things counter to nature’s way. When these imbalances are corrected, a healthy lifestyle is the reward.

From the start, I was really inspired to think that I could change for the better an automated function like breathing, and all by simply doing an exercise entirely on my own at home.

I don’t want to wear a disease label due to neglecting something I can improve. The measurable progress that comes from this effort encourages me to do more until I restore normal breathing and healthy cells.