Incorrect, especially too shallow breathing can lead to an undersupply of oxygen and severely affect the body’s performance and well-being. This is because when breathing is too shallow, the capacity of the lungs is not fully utilized. Some stale air still remains in the alveoli, and the muscles and organs – but especially the brain – do not reach their full capacity.
Breathing exercises
Breathing therapy attempts to compensate for these deficits and should enable people to breathe in a controlled and correct manner, even in stressful situations. Breathing exercises promote oxygen uptake in the lungs and are intended to relieve muscle tension. Since breathing is controlled by the autonomic nervous system, conversely the autonomic nervous system can also be influenced and harmonized by breathing.
Respiratory therapy has now found a permanent place in rehabilitation after operations in the chest area or for the supportive treatment of respiratory diseases (e.g. asthma, chronic bronchitis cystic fibrosis).
Cost of respiratory therapy
If the therapy is prescribed by a panel physician as part of therapy or rehabilitation, health insurance companies usually cover the cost of the treatment. Those who want to improve their breathing technique to relax and recover after a stressful day at work must bear the costs themselves. In many cases, health insurers also offer such courses in conjunction with adult education centers.
