Ed Harrold Life With Breath Podcast Breathing And The Nervous System Interview With Adam Hart
Sep 11, 2023
01:00:51
Today we talk with Adam about breathing and the nervous system.
Breathing plays a crucial role in influencing the nervous system, particularly the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The ANS is responsible for regulating involuntary bodily functions, including heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, and respiratory rate. It consists of two main branches: the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS).
The SNS is associated with the body's "fight-or-flight" response, which prepares the body for action and stress. On the other hand, the PNS is responsible for the body's "rest-and-digest" response, promoting relaxation, rest, and recovery.
The way we breathe directly affects the balance between these two branches of the autonomic nervous system. Here's how:
👉 Sympathetic Activation: When we breathe rapidly and shallowly, particularly in response to stress or anxiety, it stimulates the SNS. This leads to an increase in heart rate, blood pressure, and the release of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. This type of breathing pattern can heighten feelings of anxiety, tension, and arousal.
👉 Parasympathetic Activation: On the other hand, slow, deep, and diaphragmatic breathing activates the PNS. This type of breathing signals the body to relax, triggering the relaxation response. It helps slow down the heart rate, lower blood pressure, and reduce the production of stress hormones. Deep breathing can induce a sense of calmness, improve focus, and promote overall well-being.
👉 Heart Rate Variability (HRV): Breathing also influences heart rate variability, which is the variation in time intervals between heartbeats. High HRV is associated with better overall health and a more flexible autonomic nervous system. Slow, deep breathing has been shown to increase HRV, indicating a shift towards parasympathetic activation and a more balanced nervous system.
In summary, slow, deep, and diaphragmatic breathing can promote relaxation, reduce stress, and help restore balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches of the autonomic nervous system. It can be an effective tool for managing stress, anxiety, and improving overall well-being.
Adam Hart is a leading expert in nervous system regulation and how to get unstuck. He is a best selling author who’s mission is to help busy parents transform the symptoms of the daily grind into more loving relationships and daily fulfillment.
Learn more about Adam at www.clearimpact.io
Interested in working with Ed? https://www.edharrold.com/breath-coac...
👃LEARN HOW TO TRAIN YOURSELF & YOUR CLIENTS IN NASAL DOMINANCE IN FITNESS & EXERCISE WITH OUR 15-HR BREATH AS MEDICINE TRAINING ... 👀 HERE
https://www.edharrold.com/breath-medi...
Visit my website @ www.edharrold.com. Join me on my social channels:
Instagram @Ed_Harrold
Facebook @EdHarrold
Unlock the full power of breathwork and elevate your practice to new heights with The Breath Source App! Join now for FREE and start experiencing the ultimate breathwork journey. Available on BOTH IOS & ANDROID. Discover living YOUR "life with breath" and join us on The Breath Source app.
📲link in bio to download OR CLICK HERE https://thebreathsource.pxf.io/edharrold
Get full access to Ed Harrold Breath AS Medicine at edharrold.substack.com/subscribe
Breathing plays a crucial role in influencing the nervous system, particularly the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The ANS is responsible for regulating involuntary bodily functions, including heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, and respiratory rate. It consists of two main branches: the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS).
The SNS is associated with the body's "fight-or-flight" response, which prepares the body for action and stress. On the other hand, the PNS is responsible for the body's "rest-and-digest" response, promoting relaxation, rest, and recovery.
The way we breathe directly affects the balance between these two branches of the autonomic nervous system. Here's how:
👉 Sympathetic Activation: When we breathe rapidly and shallowly, particularly in response to stress or anxiety, it stimulates the SNS. This leads to an increase in heart rate, blood pressure, and the release of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. This type of breathing pattern can heighten feelings of anxiety, tension, and arousal.
👉 Parasympathetic Activation: On the other hand, slow, deep, and diaphragmatic breathing activates the PNS. This type of breathing signals the body to relax, triggering the relaxation response. It helps slow down the heart rate, lower blood pressure, and reduce the production of stress hormones. Deep breathing can induce a sense of calmness, improve focus, and promote overall well-being.
👉 Heart Rate Variability (HRV): Breathing also influences heart rate variability, which is the variation in time intervals between heartbeats. High HRV is associated with better overall health and a more flexible autonomic nervous system. Slow, deep breathing has been shown to increase HRV, indicating a shift towards parasympathetic activation and a more balanced nervous system.
In summary, slow, deep, and diaphragmatic breathing can promote relaxation, reduce stress, and help restore balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches of the autonomic nervous system. It can be an effective tool for managing stress, anxiety, and improving overall well-being.
Adam Hart is a leading expert in nervous system regulation and how to get unstuck. He is a best selling author who’s mission is to help busy parents transform the symptoms of the daily grind into more loving relationships and daily fulfillment.
Learn more about Adam at www.clearimpact.io
Interested in working with Ed? https://www.edharrold.com/breath-coac...
👃LEARN HOW TO TRAIN YOURSELF & YOUR CLIENTS IN NASAL DOMINANCE IN FITNESS & EXERCISE WITH OUR 15-HR BREATH AS MEDICINE TRAINING ... 👀 HERE
https://www.edharrold.com/breath-medi...
Visit my website @ www.edharrold.com. Join me on my social channels:
Instagram @Ed_Harrold
Facebook @EdHarrold
Unlock the full power of breathwork and elevate your practice to new heights with The Breath Source App! Join now for FREE and start experiencing the ultimate breathwork journey. Available on BOTH IOS & ANDROID. Discover living YOUR "life with breath" and join us on The Breath Source app.
📲link in bio to download OR CLICK HERE https://thebreathsource.pxf.io/edharrold
Get full access to Ed Harrold Breath AS Medicine at edharrold.substack.com/subscribe