Mindfulness Based Inner RePatterning™ and Breathing
Different Types of Breathing
Breathing is something we do naturally. It is essential to life. How you breathe is connected to your emotional state. For example people who are anxious often breathe from the top of their lungs. This type of breathing is sometimes called clavicle breathing as it is controlled by the clavicle bones. It is often seen when a person is under extreme stress, panicky or anxious. With this type of breathing, breaths are often shallow and fast. Another breathing pattern often present in those who are anxious is intermittent holding of the breath. How you breathe affects the body chemistry and the mind. When we experience trauma, we quite often hold our breath. Other breathing patterns include chest and abdominal breathing. Chest breathing is restricted by the tightness in the ribs and chest muscles. Abdominal or belly breathing involves the diaphragm muscle. The abdominal or belly breathing is linked to relaxation. This form of breathing is often taught as a technique for dealing with anxiety.
Mindfulness Based Inner RePatterning™ and Breathing
In Mindfulness Based Inner RePatterning™, we use the breathing to re-establish a normal breathing pattern. Ideally a normal breathing patterning operates at an unconscious level without us having to consciously control it. Normal breathing flows. It nourishes the body with sufficient amounts of oxygen. Reminding a person to breathe while doing the Mindfulness Based Inner RePatterning™ process is done to activate the release mechanism of the body and turn off the holding state caused by the stalled breathing pattern. It can be difficult to let go if you are still holding on with your breath. So, remind yourself or the person you are working with to, “Breathe” periodically.
The Vagus Nerve and Abdominal Breathing
When we belly breath, it affects the vagus nerve in the diaphragm. This activates the parasympathetic nervous system that results in relaxation.
The Vagus Nerve
The vagus nerve is often called the wandering nerve or 10th cranial nerve. Stimulation of the vagus nerve is used as a treatment for epilepsy and depression by doctors. This is a new form of treatment that was developed as a consequence of research into the vagus nerve.
