Breathing and Anxiety

[tulalipjames]

A relative is currently hospitalized in Denver, CO with severe anxiety disorder. She has complained of breathing difficulty since moving to Denver two years ago. Paper by Edward Newton, MD, "Hyperventilation Sydrome", claims breathing problems can lead to chemical processes which then lead to anxiety disorder. Private correspondence with author indicates that physiotherapists are most likely to be aware of this problem and how to deal with it. Any ideas?

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[Canuck Physio]

Yes indeed, breathing control and relaxation techniques are often utilised in many situations. However, physiotherapists have been slow off the blocks to promote this facet of their skills repertoire. The Relaxation Response so coined by Dr Herbert Benson shows that the human body can be significantly change in terms of Blood Pressure, Heart Rate, and Stress Hormone Release, which subsequently alters the physiology of the individual. Additionally several types of meditation including mindfulness (Buddhist), transcendental (brought to western world by the Beatles from India), Tai Chi, and Kundalini Yoga (Western Sikh's) are all being proven in research to decrease stress/anxiety while improving physiological hormone profiles, as certain breathing patterns of control, including conscious breathing, and meditative techniques directly effect the pituitary and hypothalamic endocrine axes influencing the release of serotonin and other hormones important for improved mood, while decreasing release of cortisol and nor-adrenaline which increase/enhance anxiety, and induce a catabolic state in the body. Finally, another unknown factor realised in a recent study of KY shows that Glutathione (the body's premier) anti-oxidant is enhanced via regular meditative techniques.

So what to do? In my opinion find a physiotherapist who has some background in meditative, yogic techniques as they physiotherapist has additional skills regarding respiratory physiotherapy that may be important for the implementation of these challenging or more difficult techniques to improve health.

Regards