Volume II, No.4

Holding Your Breath Out?

QUESTION:
I read a book about holding your breath out to allow your body to absorb carbon dioxide. Are you familiar with the concept?

ANSWER:
It is difficult for anyone to know that they need more CO2 in their body, let alone how much more or less they need. The beauty of having an open, fully functioning breathing mechanism is that these things, O2 and CO2 balance are automatic. When you relearn at a deep subconscious natural level to have a strong inhale and a relaxed exhale you can have energy flowing freely in your body and life, and there will be no difficulties. Most children breathe this way - strong inhale; relaxed exhale - and they use their bellies. They haven't yet become acculturated by our society and developed the restrictive breathing patterns that come with being a success in our world.

The balance of O2 to CO2 in our bodies is often what we call pH balance (acid/alkaline). When a person gets fearful the muscles of the torso constrict and it is difficult to inhale. There is no room for the air. This causes a person to get even more panicky and then they may start to force out the exhale, further compounding the problem by releasing too much CO2 from the body and setting up the physiological conditions of hyperventilation that precede tetany. This is why practitioners will have a hyperventilating person breathe into a paper bag; so they reabsorb the CO2 they are expelling so the body can to return homeostasis.

All this can be avoided with some breathing awareness. It needs to become common knowledge that the inhalation is robust, smooth and deep, using about 70% of the breathing potential breath capacity for normal daily activities. Most people are using 20% or less of their breathing potential. A shallow inhale is indicative of low feelings of self-worth. Just the simple act of strengthening it will bring more vitality into your life. If the muscles of the torso are restricting or holding on to the exhale, how can the breath energy flow freely? How can you feel good? With an open clear breath you will have continuous energy, clarity and focus on your life.

Practice 5 minutes a day re-teaching your self an efficient breathing pattern. Place your hand on your stomach and have a strong inhale allowing the belly to move out. Immediately let the inhale go out like a quick sigh. Your belly will naturally return to its original shape. It only takes practice to get those torso muscles used to letting go and truly relaxing. Once the muscles do this, you will find it easy to breathe in a more relaxed manner and have way more ease and joy in your life and no longer have the hassles of wondering whether the O2 and CO2 balance is OK. Life is meant to be simple and joyful.

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