Scientific Breakthrough — Breathing Can Relax You

In complementary therapy we get a lot of…”well it’s not scientifically based, so we can’t trust it.”

​This short abstract from the Journal of Psychosomatic Research shows a study which found breathing techniques worked better than the comparison procedure.  Importantly, it also showed that the control register in the brain stem was altered to maintain the benefit.

“A controlled study of a breathing therapy for treatment of hyperventilation syndrome. Grossman P, de Swart JC, Defares PB..” Journal of Psychosomatic Research 1985;29(1):49-58…… ”A therapy directed toward slowing and regularising the ventilatory pattern was compared with a partial-treatment and a comparison procedure for individuals with somatic and psychological symptoms attributable to hyperventilation episodes (i.e. hyperventilation syndrome). Comparing repeated measures between a pre-treatment baseline session and a post-treatment follow up, we found that the experimental therapy, in contrast to the comparison procedure, produced a greater number of, and more extensive  improvements in psychological, symptom complaint and ventilatory dimensions. Results also suggest changes in central respiratory control mechanisms as a consequence of treatment.”

So, a proper study shows better breathing worked better than the alternative.  Is it science?  Well the scientists who presented think so.
You’d need to register to get the full study.
More to follow..