Helix Health

Breathe Well Be Well

Breathing generates energy. Cells require both glucose and oxygen to produce energy (in the form of ATP molecules). Breathing moves oxygen into the body through inhalation and carbon dioxide out of the body with exhalation. Breathing is regulated autonomically the majority of the time to provide just the right amount of oxygen. Dysfunctional breathing has an obvious link with breathing related disorders like asthma, allergies, emphysema, COPD, anxiety, panic disorder, sleeping disorders and snoring - all underlying causes of chronic fatigue.

Symptoms

Benign breathing problems are mostly the result of hyperventilation, also known as over breathing, and can produce the following primary symptoms:

• Abdominal complaints, like bloating, burping, flatulence and a pressure sensation in the abdomen
• Anxiety, agitation, confusion and/or dissociation (a feeling of being outside of yourself)
• Visual hallucinations (seeing things that aren't there)
• Dry mouth due to increase air movement through the mouth
• Weakness and fatigue
• Neurological symptoms: fainting, dizziness, numbness and tingling
• Muscle cramps, spasms and/or twitching
• Feeling as if you can't breathe, shortness of breath and/or wheezing
• Chest pain or chest wall tenderness

Since dysfunctional breathing have identical symptoms to serious conditions that could require emergency care, like an asthma attack, or heart attack, it is vital to first and foremost see your health care professional for a medical diagnosis.

The aim of a complementary evaluation is to determine whether your breathing is normal for you or not. The following techniques are used to evaluate breathing practice:

• Symptom Analysis
• Peak flow monitoring
• Breath holding time
• Breath observation
• Chest wall expansion differential
• Snider's Match Test
• Structural evaluation of involved muscles, including the diaphragm

Complementary Therapy Techniques are selected on the basis that the primary area of dysfunction is respiratory in nature. Biochemical techniques focus on supplements that are used during the respiratory process and supplements which has been linked beneficially with respiration. Structural techniques focuses on the respiratory muscles and chest area, which are involved in the breathing process, as well as physiological aspects which often influence breathing, such as the cranial-sacral mechanism. Mental techniques are employed to address any psychological issues which may play a role in the respiratory process, such as anxiety states and chronic stress.

Orthomolecular Medicine

• Anti-oxidants which protects the airways from airborne pollutants like cigarette smoke and air pollution
• Vitamin D has been linked to improved lung functioning
• Iron deficiency can cause shortness of breath
• Folic Acid and B12 are important co-factors in respiration (breathing)

Manual Therapy

• Evaluation and correction of the inspiratory muscles, including the diaphragm
• Cranial-sacral Therapy

Energy Psychology

• Acupoint tapping
• Psychological Reversal
• Emotional stress release
• Bach flower remedies
• Reiki-Seichem

Systemic Connedtions

Poor breathing habits is not necessarily a primary problem, but could also be caused by imbalances elsewhere in the body. The most prominent connections are between respiratory dysfunction and

• Cardiovascular Dysfunction - inadequate blood circulation has a strong link with breathing problems
• Hormonal Imbalances - Thyroid, adrenals and pancreatic imbalances can be linked with breathing problems
• Immune Dysfunction - allergies and/or inflammation, particularly those affecting the airways can cause or aggravate existing breathing problems. Conversely, hyperventilation can lower resistance and make an individual more prone to develop respiratory allergies.