Breathing Matters documents within the limits of our current scientific knowledge and research why breathing well is critically important to our health. Breathing well aids relaxation, normalizes body biochemistry, reduces muscle pain and allows the re-establishment of normal posture and movement. Good breathing patterns thus has a role in
- relieving asthma symptoms thus assisting asthma treatment
- reducing allergy
- the treatment of migraine and tension headache
- helping people with anxiety disorders and managing anxiety attacks
- helping people with anxiety and depression
- lowering high blood pressure
- helping people with heart disease
- helping people with heart failure
- reducing the risk of heart attack
- stress management and stress relief
- improving singing and speech production
- helping people who suffer from chronic pain
In Breathing Matters, Jim Bartley an ear, nose and throat surgeon explains the physiological basis behind good breathing patterns and how things can go wrong. He often sees patients presenting with ear, nose and throat problems where poor breathing patterns can be a contributory factor. Tania Clifton-Smith, a physiotherapist with a wealth of experience in breathing disorders has contributed to the book offering practical advice on breathing methods as well as relevant self-massage and muscle stretching techniques. Breathing well allows you to be more relaxed but also gives you more energy. The reasons why good breathing patterns can also help manage a number of common disease conditions including heart disease, asthma, migraine and depression are discussed. This book will change the way you think about your breathing.