Inhales increase heart rate and activate the Sympathetic System (fight-or-flight response).
Exhales lower heart rate and activate the Parasympathetic System (rest-and-digest mode).
Breathwork transcends relaxation, offering measurable wellness benefits. Our respiratory system—uniquely under our voluntary control—affects the autonomic nervous system, heart rate, and stress levels.
Research reveals intentional breathing can significantly enhance cardiorespiratory synchronization, influencing blood pressure and heart function. This voluntary control taps into the parasympathetic system, promoting a state of calm resilience.
Breathwork is a gateway to fine-tuning our physiological responses, fostering a harmonious mind-body connection for improved health and mental clarity.
Gerritsen RJS, Band GPH. Breath of Life: The Respiratory Vagal Stimulation Model of Contemplative Activity. Front Hum Neurosci. 2018 Oct 9;12:397. doi: 10.3389/fnhum.2018.00397. PMID: 30356789; PMCID: PMC6189422.
Ren Y, Zhang J.
Increased cardiorespiratory synchronization evoked by a breath controller based on heartbeat detection. Biomed Eng Online. 2019 May 20;18(1):61. doi: 10.1186/s12938-019-0683-9. PMID: 31109326; PMCID: PMC6528364.
Breath control is a powerful tool for regulating both mind and body. Scientific evidence supports that slow, intentional breathing increases heart rate variability and induces positive changes in brain activity associated with emotional regulation and psychological well-being.
Engaging in specific breathing patterns can evoke the emotions typically linked with those patterns, providing a pathway to emotional balance and resilience.
Pierre Philippot, Gaëtane Chapelle & Sylvie Blairy (2002) Respiratory feedback in the generation of emotion, Cognition and Emotion, 16:5, 605-627, DOI: 10.1080/02699930143000392
Zaccaro A, Piarulli A, Laurino M, Garbella E, Menicucci D, Neri B, Gemignani A.
How Breath-Control Can Change Your Life: A Systematic Review on Psycho-Physiological Correlates of Slow Breathing. Front Hum Neurosci. 2018 Sep 7;12:353. doi: 10.3389/fnhum.2018.00353. PMID: 30245619; PMCID: PMC6137615.