ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY OF RESPIRATION & MUSCLE TENSION

Thoracic breathing: Uses chest and neck muscles, raising the shoulders, which is more effort and less efficient because it works against gravity. Useful during vigorous activity but not during rest and relaxation.

Abdominal breathing: Flattens the diaphragm, expands the area below the lungs leading to more efficient & relaxed breathing. Lets the stomach muscles relax to accommodate respiration.

Normal, efficient, relaxed breathing: Gradual inhalation (nose or mouth) to a peak, collapse to let all air out.

Hyperventilation: Short, rapid, shallow breaths causes anxiety & poor O2/CO2 exchange ratio. Often occurs in reaction to situations of great emotional stress.

Hypoventilation: Restricted frequency & volume of breaths causes increased tension and pain.