Hyperventilation conjures up pictures of hysterical people gasping for breath. At least that’s what I used to think…
Then there’s the old remedy of breathing into a paper bag – but please don’t do this!!
I now understand that Hyperventilation is simply the term for over-breathing or breathing more than our metabolic needs.
I always thought that more of a good thing was better but I now know that when it comes to the breath, Less is More!
Hyperventilation occurs when the rate or tidal volume of breathing eliminates more carbon dioxide than the body can produce. This leads to hypocapnia, a reduced concentration of carbon dioxide dissolved in the blood.
Back in the 70’s when I was training as a nurse, we were taught that a good breathing rate was around 18-20 breaths per minute.
Today we know it’s better to take around 10-14 breaths per minute.
Studies have shown that a large percentage of us hyperventilate and that this can be linked to all types of chronic diseases.
Breathing re-education can teach us to slow down our breathing so that it meets our metabolic needs. We can learn to breathe more efficiently by breathing light, slow and deep or LSD.
If you feel hyperventilating applies to you or someone you know, please contact me via my website to arrange a one-on-one consultation.