Could it all just really be breathing?

[Knightsaber]

Ever since I came across the term 'chronic hyperventilation', I've been pretty curious.

I haven't been able to breathe through my nose at all since I was maybe 11 or 12 years old (now 34).

The last eight months have been a steady decline for me, getting more and more agoraphobic (very bad now), more and more hypochondria, more tired...incredibly bad brain fog and dizziness...I notice my breathing has been pretty bad as well.  I'm not in great shape but it's never really been this bad.

Today I remembered the hyperventilation article I read and as I went into my nightly panic mode, which happens often now, I tried deep, slow breathing...still have to use my throat, nothing goes through my nose at all.

Everything passed in maybe 20-30 seconds and I felt pretty good.  I tried it again later on and improved my brain fog a second time.

It can't really be this easy?  To explain away the last 15 years of misery can't be this easy :)

If anyone has experience with this, please, I'd like to hear about it.

[laa43]

I also don't breathe well if it all through my nose. An ENT doc I went to one time told me I have a deviated septum. And if its the slightest bit stuffed up....forget it! For the past few years (at least five), I have had times where I felt "full" and like I couldn't get a deep breathe (although I could, it just didn't feel like it). I have never heard that term before but it makes sense to me. Breathing through the mouth can get a lot more air in. And on top of all that, if you are the slightest bit anxious and thinking about it all the time....its MUCH worse it seems. I'd like to know more about what you read! Take care...laa

[Bama21]

I'd recommend getting the CD "Breathing" by Dr. Andrew Weil.  He is a brilliant doctor who kind of combines modern medicine with holistic, natural medicine.  He is a huge proponent on the healing powers of proper breathing.

To answer you question...I don't think proper breathing is the final solution to the problem, but it MOST DEFINITELY helps.

[dbirm77]

Early on in my anxiety recovery....I used to deal with the worst panic attacks.
I tried so hard to find a "go to" move that would help me overcome them.
For me...it was breathing.
I got to a point where I could stop a panic attack in it's tracks by breathing properly.
So I definately believe that proper breathing can reduce and/or eliminate anxiety sensations.
It's not a cure for anxiety as a whole..but it helped me conquer the panic attack aspect of mine.

For me.......
I learned to take a good size breath in...hold it at the top....and then exhale slowly and evenly.
In this case, the exhale part of the breath is the most important.

Good Luck,

Drew