BREATH CYCLE

BREATH CYCLE

Breathing process refers to the gas exchange between the breathing body and the atmosphere. INHALING OXYGEN and EXHALING CARBON DIOXIDE,is essential for maintaining cellular metabolism. Breathing affects thecirculation and heart rate. The primary driver of respiration is the level of carbon dioxide in the blood, rather than the level of oxygen.

Breathing is controlled by the respiratory center, which is located in the medulla oblongata of the brainstem. Chemoreceptors continuously monitor the levels of carbon dioxide in the blood. When the concentration of CO2 increases, these chemoreceptors send signals to the respiratory centers in the brain, stimulating an increase in breathing rate and depth. This response, known as the respiratory drive, is primarily driven by the need to eliminate excess carbon dioxide and restore the acid-base balance in the body. The sensitivity / treshold to CO2 of the chemoreceptors is shaped and depends on individual breathing patterns..

The BREATH consists of two main phases: INHALATION (inspiration) and EXHALATION (expiration), and optional pauses in between: BREATH RETENTION WITH FULL LUNGS after inhalation, and BREATH RETENTION WITH EMPTY LUNGS after exhalation

During inhalation, the diaphragm, a dome-shaped muscle located at the base of the lungs, contracts, and the chest cavity expands, allowing air to enter the lungs. Exhalation involves the relaxation of the diaphragm and chest muscles, causing air to be expelled from the lungs.

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INHALATION

During inhalation, the air enters our lungs, and oxygen molecules diffuse across the alveolar membrane into the bloodstream, and further to muscles and organs.

During comfortable inhalation, THE DIAPHRAGM; the main respiratory-dome-shaped muscle located at the base of the lungs, contracts and flattens, pushing on the abdomen, while the lower ribs are pushed upwards and outwards by the INTERCOSTAL MUSCLES. This action increases the volume of the chest cavity, which reduces the pressure in the lungs. As a result, air flows into the lungs to equalize the pressure, filling the stretched open alveoli with oxygen.

During the inhalation the HEART gets stimulated to BEAT a little FASTER. Inhalation activates the SYMPATHETIC NERVOUS SYSTEM.

BREATH RETENTION WITH FULL LUNGS

After Inhalation, a breath hold with full lungs, before beginning exhalation. If practiced intentionally this phase allows the body to absorb and assimilate the oxygen more effectively.

EXHALATION

Exhalation is largely a passive act, it occurs primarily due to the elasticity of the chest, the diaphragm relaxes and moves upward. This decreases the volume of the chest cavity, increasing the pressure within the lungs. As a result, air is pushed out of the lungs, expelling carbon dioxide and waste gases from the body.

During the exhalation the HEART BEAT SLOWS DOWN. The PARASYMPATHETIC branch of the nervous system is mostly active. Extending or lengthening the exhalation triggers the state of RELAXATION.

BREATH RETENTION WITH EMPTY LUNGS

During breath hold on empty lungs carbon dioxide levels gradually increase in the bloodstream. It triggers physiological responses in the body. The increased carbon dioxide levels stimulate the respiratory centers in the brain, which signal the body to resume breathing. The urge to breathe experienced during breath retention is primarily driven by the rise in carbon dioxide rather than the drop in oxygen levels. It can be experienced as a feeling of “breath hunger”.

The practice of BREATH RETENTION ON EMPTY LUNGS increases carbon dioxide tolerance. Heightened levels of carbon dioxide cause blood vessels to dilate, improving blood flow and more efficient oxygen delivery to tissues.