Ed Harrold Life With Breath Podcast Life With Breath Podcast w. Dr. Peter Litchfield
May 17, 2025
01:07:28
In this episode, we speak with Dr. Peter Litchfield, an expert in human performance, respiration, and psychology. Dr. Litchfield discusses the intricate relationship between breathing and both physiological and psychological health. He explains that breathing is not merely mechanical but also a psychological phenomenon, emphasizing the importance of carbon dioxide in the body. Dr. Litchfield shares insights on the mechanics of breathing, its impact on heart rate and neural activity, and the significance of maintaining proper carbon dioxide levels. The episode aims to educate listeners on how understanding and improving breathing patterns can enhance overall well-being.
Introduction of Dr. Peter Lynch (00:00:13)
Dr. Peter Litchfield highlights his expertise in human performance and respiration. He discusses his journey into the field of respiration and its psychological implications.
The Importance of Breathing (00:02:56)
Dr. Litchfield explains the significance of breathing in relation to physiology and psychology.
Carbon Dioxide in Respiration (00:05:29)
A discussion on the role of carbon dioxide in the body and its misunderstood nature.
Exhalation and Breathing Mechanics (00:10:12)
Peter clarifies the passive nature of exhalation and common misconceptions about breathing.
Breathing and the Autonomic Nervous System (00:15:52)
Discussion on the relationship between breathing patterns and the autonomic nervous system.
Breathing Mechanics vs. Respiration (00:18:30)
Peter differentiates between breathing mechanics and the physiological process of respiration.
Regulation of Carbon Dioxide Levels (00:23:35)
Dr. Litchfield explains how the body regulates carbon dioxide levels through breathing.
Breathing Rates and Physiological Balance (00:25:12)
Discussion on maintaining carbon dioxide concentration regardless of breathing rates during various activities.
The Role of Carbon Dioxide (00:30:11)
Dr. Litchfield highlights the importance of carbon dioxide in oxygen delivery and its impact on the body.
Understanding the Diaphragm (00:33:53)
The diaphragm's role in breathing and its connection to psychological control is explored.
Impact of Trauma on Breathing (00:38:20)
Dr. Litchfield emphasizes that dysfunctional breathing can be a coping mechanism for trauma and PTSD.
Learning and Habits in Breathing (00:45:05)
Dr. Litchfield explains how habitual breathing patterns are learned and can be triggered by various stimuli.
Case Study of an Olympic Athlete (00:48:44)
A story about an Olympic athlete with unpredictable breathing issues highlights the complexities of respiration.
Understanding Oxygen Issues (00:50:52)
Discussion about a patient's oxygen problems related to eating and stress.
Applications of Breathing Techniques (00:57:08)
Examples of how breathing behavior analysis is applied in various fields.
Specific Applications in Gaming (01:00:28)
Case study on improving gamers' reaction times by managing carbon dioxide levels.
Better Physiology Company (01:04:02)
Overview of a company focused on identifying dysfunctional breathing habits.
👇 Some Cool Stuff!
1. Breath AS Medicine+: Sessions weave together breathwork, mindfulness, nature, psychological & physiological resilience and circadian health into a transformative holistic approach to improving your health and well-being. NEXT SESSION BEGINS JULY 12TH www.edharrold.com
2. Breath AS Medicine Pro: An advanced, 8-week instructor masterclass designed specifically for nurses, psychotherapists, health & wellness coaches and fitness professionals looking to take their breathwork knowledge and training to the next level. www.edharrold.com
NEXT SESSION FOR HEALTH & WELLNESS COACHING BEGINS MAY 28TH
3. SapienCE: A membership that offers unlimited reflective learning opportunities that reward CME/CE credits. Once you have a SapienCE membership, you can use it for reflective learning for all your continuing education needs. www.sapiencepro.co
Get full access to Ed Harrold Breath AS Medicine at edharrold.substack.com/subscribe
Introduction of Dr. Peter Lynch (00:00:13)
Dr. Peter Litchfield highlights his expertise in human performance and respiration. He discusses his journey into the field of respiration and its psychological implications.
The Importance of Breathing (00:02:56)
Dr. Litchfield explains the significance of breathing in relation to physiology and psychology.
Carbon Dioxide in Respiration (00:05:29)
A discussion on the role of carbon dioxide in the body and its misunderstood nature.
Exhalation and Breathing Mechanics (00:10:12)
Peter clarifies the passive nature of exhalation and common misconceptions about breathing.
Breathing and the Autonomic Nervous System (00:15:52)
Discussion on the relationship between breathing patterns and the autonomic nervous system.
Breathing Mechanics vs. Respiration (00:18:30)
Peter differentiates between breathing mechanics and the physiological process of respiration.
Regulation of Carbon Dioxide Levels (00:23:35)
Dr. Litchfield explains how the body regulates carbon dioxide levels through breathing.
Breathing Rates and Physiological Balance (00:25:12)
Discussion on maintaining carbon dioxide concentration regardless of breathing rates during various activities.
The Role of Carbon Dioxide (00:30:11)
Dr. Litchfield highlights the importance of carbon dioxide in oxygen delivery and its impact on the body.
Understanding the Diaphragm (00:33:53)
The diaphragm's role in breathing and its connection to psychological control is explored.
Impact of Trauma on Breathing (00:38:20)
Dr. Litchfield emphasizes that dysfunctional breathing can be a coping mechanism for trauma and PTSD.
Learning and Habits in Breathing (00:45:05)
Dr. Litchfield explains how habitual breathing patterns are learned and can be triggered by various stimuli.
Case Study of an Olympic Athlete (00:48:44)
A story about an Olympic athlete with unpredictable breathing issues highlights the complexities of respiration.
Understanding Oxygen Issues (00:50:52)
Discussion about a patient's oxygen problems related to eating and stress.
Applications of Breathing Techniques (00:57:08)
Examples of how breathing behavior analysis is applied in various fields.
Specific Applications in Gaming (01:00:28)
Case study on improving gamers' reaction times by managing carbon dioxide levels.
Better Physiology Company (01:04:02)
Overview of a company focused on identifying dysfunctional breathing habits.
👇 Some Cool Stuff!
1. Breath AS Medicine+: Sessions weave together breathwork, mindfulness, nature, psychological & physiological resilience and circadian health into a transformative holistic approach to improving your health and well-being. NEXT SESSION BEGINS JULY 12TH www.edharrold.com
2. Breath AS Medicine Pro: An advanced, 8-week instructor masterclass designed specifically for nurses, psychotherapists, health & wellness coaches and fitness professionals looking to take their breathwork knowledge and training to the next level. www.edharrold.com
NEXT SESSION FOR HEALTH & WELLNESS COACHING BEGINS MAY 28TH
3. SapienCE: A membership that offers unlimited reflective learning opportunities that reward CME/CE credits. Once you have a SapienCE membership, you can use it for reflective learning for all your continuing education needs. www.sapiencepro.co
Get full access to Ed Harrold Breath AS Medicine at edharrold.substack.com/subscribe