Topics Covered In The Book:

• What is a good/poor quality breath? Causes of faulty and shallow breathing.
• Importance of particular factors crucial to good quality breathing
• Causes of faulty and shallow breathing
• Negative effects of shallow breathing & Positive effects of good quality breathing
• Training the breath & activities that help improve breathing
• Ideal ways of breathing & breathing exercises
• Creating your own breathing program Improving posture & increasing flexibility
• Stress management
• Breathing for sport and movement
• Coping with pain
• Breathing for labour
• Overcoming smoking
• Singing/playing of wind instruments

The main focus of the book is on how to improve your breathing for basic good health and also for specific activities. Included is step-by-step instructions on basic good quality breathing, as well as different breathing techniques, which enables you to be versatile and help in areas you previously struggled with, or were unable        to do.

“I BREATHE ALREADY DON’T I?”

A common question asked is: “Why do I need to learn how to breathe, I breathe already don’t I?” Obviously everyone breathes, but do you know how to breathe appropriately for every activity you participate in? Can          you easily breathe fully and deeply so that you become totally relaxed and/or energised?

Also consider the following:

Do you know the specific ways of breathing that enables you to exercise properly, and significantly increase your flexibility?

Have you ever experienced the dynamic effects of Power Breathing, or the calming effects of Relaxation Breathing?

Can you efficiently control your breathing to produce the exact kind of breath you need according to every demand?

If you struggle to take a deep breath, or don’t know how to, you are not alone. Many people suffer from “shallow breathing”. If this way of breathing continues for a long period of time it has been proven to have a negative effect on our physical and mental health.

Also consider that if you are unable to control your breathing and be versatile with it, you may not be able to participate in certain activities that you would like to be involved in.

IS IT POSSIBLE TO IMPROVE MY BREATHING?

Yes! Breathing is an automatic and self-regulating function of the nervous system. Breathing is also a function we can consciously change at will, regardless of age.

For most people, this means that with the right training, your whole manner of breathing can be improved, and also specifically controlled for certain activities, such as for exercising, relaxation and singing.

WHAT IS BREATHING TRAINING?

Breathing Training simply means initially becoming acquainted with all your breathing muscles. You need to            learn how to control them, and also master the ability to breathe a slow, deep, good quality breath. The next    stage is to learn different breathing techniques, depending on which activity you choose to participate in. Particular techniques can also help you improve in activities you are currently engaged in.

 

POSITIVE EFFECTS OF GOOD QUALITY DEEP BREATHING

• Enhance your general health (internal organs are fully nourished with oxygen)
• Perform physical activities easier, including exercising and flexibility training
• Release accumulated tension; consequently, allowing you to relax more easily and deeply
• Overcome panic attacks, stage fright and stuttering
• Subdue physical pain
• Improve quality of sleep

A DEEP BREATHING TECHNIQUE – Abdominal Breathing

Abdominal Breathing, as shown below, is an effective method of deep breathing, which helps relieve stress,        and relaxes the mind and body.

INHALATION

 

Gently and deeply inhale so that your abdomen fully expands, like a balloon is slowly inflating inside your belly.

EXHALATION

Exhale very slowly and gently so that the breath is being gradually expelled, like air being released from a deflating tyre.