Deep Abdominal Breathing For Anxiety And Panic Attacks
Author: SergeTaylor Total views: 17 Word Count: 633
Of all the symptoms that a panic attacks sufferer experiences during a panic attack difficulty in breathing would seem to be the one that causes the most distress. Breathing problems associated with anxiety and panic attacks can run the range from hyperventilation where the breathing becomes uncontrollably rapid and shallow, to an almost total constriction of breathing where breathing normally becomes impossible. Because these breathing difficulties are such a common part of panic attacks virtually all methods of dealing with panic attacks, or at least those that don't resort to pharmaceutical drugs, have as part of their respective methods, controlled breathing techniques of one kind or another.
Deep abdominal breathing done in a controlled fashion is one of the most useful techniques in helping anyone cope with panic attack. A normal stress response during times of severe stress, like that experienced by someone suffering with a panic attack, is a dramatic change in the breathing rate. The breath becomes high in the chest and is very rapid, just like someone trying to catch their breath after strenuous exercise.
This breathing response is only part of the problem. The real problem is that the person having the panic attack begins to focus on their breathing difficulties which leads to an increase in the anxiety and panic which causes even greater breathing restrictions and difficulties
Our nervous system obviously recognizes that breathing is essential to our survival and sends feedback that how we are breathing is not adequate for our needs. When a panic attack sufferer becomes aware of this physical and mental feedback, they literally start to panic which further amplifies the feedback in the hope that it will be heard and the breathing adjusted accordingly.
The vicious cycle of the panic attack has begun.
The practice of deep controlled abdominal breathing will provide options the panic attack sufferer can use at the time of their attack. But a regular training program of controlled abdominal breathing must be undertaken if the ability to apply it during the extreme nervous system responses of a panic attack is desired.
This is just like training regularly for some sporting competition. The more you practice before the actual event the more automatic the desired responses will be come game time.
By practising regular deep abdominal breathing at non-stressful times it allows the body the chance to get used to the technique itself as it becomes conditioned to breathe differently. Once a certain familiarity has been gained with the technique it is very useful to begin using it during periods of moderate stress and anxiety.
As you can see we are taking the breathing technique we have learned in a neutral environment and slowly increasing our ability to use it in the field. In a very short time with regular practice you'll have access to this breathing technique and be able to use it to help you handle your panic attacks.
However the real benefit of regular deep abdominal breathing is how it changes your nervous system making it less prone to stress and anxiety and thus over time preventing panic attacks from occurring in the first place.
This way of breathing is very natural and easy. Like any form of exercise please make sure to start slowly and gradually allowing yourself enough time to get familiar with the technique before increasing the length of time of your abdominal breathing sessions.
Believe it or not abdominal deep breathing is the way we are supposed to breathe. It is out natural breathing style that we somehow forget to use. If you look at young kids they are all belly breathers, but as we age we tend to breath more in our chest.
So this isn't learning some weird or abnormal breathing technique. It is re-learning how to do soimething that is completely natural although for the most part completely forgotten.
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If you want to learn how to practice deep abpracticeminal breathing for panic attacks as well as learn more about coping with anxiety as well as panic attacks as well as get your free dealing with panic attacks report visit www.anxiety-cures.org
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