Breathing is an essential biological process for life and, although we carry it out involuntarily, most of the time it is done incorrectly.
We must bear in mind that when we breathe we not only introduce the necessary oxygen to the body, but we also inhale biological and chemical agents that can be harmful. Also, if the breathing technique is not correct, health problems related to stress and anxiety may appear.
Types of breathing
There are three types of breathing. The first is the lower or abdominal, based on the movement of the diaphragm and which fills the lungs completely, expanding the abdomen. The second is middle or intercostal breathing in which the muscles located between the ribs are used. And finally, the high breath that raises the shoulders and contracts the abdomen. It is typical of people with stress and anxiety problems.
The correct breathing technique combines the three previous ones, always introducing the air through the nose and expelling it through the mouth. Expiration should take twice as long as inspiration.
Breathe through the mouth
When we are children, it is very common for mothers to reprimand their children for breathing through their mouths instead of through their noses. This reproach has a well-founded scientific basis and that is that mouth breathing can cause various health problems.
Experts warn that breathing through the mouth has negative effects on speech, teeth, swallowing and even body posture and facial shape. In addition, by using the mouth instead of the nose to breathe, the filtering and heating action of the air in the nostrils is prevented, which can lead to the appearance of diseases such as pharyngitis.
Bad breath, poor oxygenation
Another of the effects of incorrect breathing is poor tissue oxygenation. This fact leads, for example, to problems with the nervous system, the digestive system and the digestion mechanism itself, as well as increasing fatigue, stress and anxiety.
For this reason, doctors and experts recommend working on the breathing technique when trying to improve and maintain our quality of life.