CO2 plays a vital role in health, acting as a vasodilator and improving blood flow and oxygen delivery to muscles.
Practicing breath control and reducing air intake can increase CO2 levels in the blood, improving blood circulation and oxygen utilization.
Maintaining optimal CO2 levels is crucial for proper oxygen utilization, as excessive CO2 removal can lead to vasoconstriction and reduced blood flow to the brain.
Becoming self-aware of breathing patterns and consciously controlling them can optimize CO2 levels and improve overall health.
Deep dives
The role of CO2 in the body
CO2 acts as a vasodilator, allowing for improved blood flow and oxygen delivery to the muscles. It is not just a waste gas, but plays a vital role in health.
Breathing techniques and CO2 tolerance
Practicing breath control and reducing air intake can increase CO2 levels in the blood, improving blood circulation and oxygen utilization. Training the body to be more tolerant to CO2 can have positive effects on overall health.
Negative effects of excessive CO2 removal
Hyperventilation or excessive CO2 removal can lead to vasoconstriction, reduced blood flow to the brain, and lower oxygen delivery to organs. Breathing less air and maintaining optimal CO2 levels is crucial for proper oxygen utilization.
The importance of self-awareness
Becoming self-aware of breathing patterns and consciously controlling them can help optimize CO2 levels and improve overall health. Breathing techniques and mindfulness can assist in maintaining proper CO2 levels and enhancing well-being.
Importance of Self-Awareness
Females are generally more self-aware and in tune with their bodies than men. To become more self-aware, individuals can practice tuning in and focusing on different parts of their body, such as their hand, elbow, shoulder, chest, and abdomen. This practice helps improve body awareness and can be incorporated into daily activities like walking.
Interoception and Body Signals
Interoception refers to the ability to identify and connect with bodily sensations and responses. It includes aspects like breath awareness, heart rate monitoring, and sensing muscular tension. Interoception signals are important for self-preservation, and developing the ability to tune into these signals can help prevent stress buildup and promote overall well-being.
Breathing Techniques for Heart Rate Variability
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to breathing for increasing heart rate variability (HRV). Some individuals may benefit from resonant frequency breathing, which involves finding a breath rate between 4.5 and 6.5 breaths per minute that enhances HRV. Extending the exhalation can also contribute to relaxation and potentially raise HRV. However, it is important to cater breathing techniques to individual needs and explore what works best for each person.
Jay and Patrick shift gears slightly to discuss resets of our bodies and minds during the pandemic, how to pursue and actually achieve happiness, increasing your self-awareness through breathing, and much more in this monthly Q&A episode!
In this episode, you'll hear:
-Thoughts on the pandemic causing us to "reset" our bodies and minds...01:15
-An advanced society doesn't always equate to advancement in the basics of life...06:58
-We all want to be happy, so why are so few people truly happy?...12:00
-The role of Co2 in our health...23:51
-Tips to increase one's self-awareness through breathing...51:34
-Question: What is the best breath practice for increasing HRV?...57:18
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