DIAPHRAGMATIC BREATHING
The majority of men breathe in this way. The diaphragm
subsides while the breath is drawn in, and the abdominal region swells. This
is the least faulty method of breathing. The base of the lungs fills with
air, and the rhythmic lowering of the diaphragm produces a constant, gentle
massage of the whole abdominal content, and helps these organs to function
correctly.
INTERCOSTAL BREATHING
This is achieved by raising the ribs through dilating
the thoracic cage or chest wall like a pair of bellows. It is a form of breathing
which fills the middle section of the lungs, allowing less air to enter than
the abdominal respiration, and more important, involving far more effort!
This is 'athletic' respiration. When combined with abdominal breathing it
ventilates the lungs satisfactorily.
CLAVICULAR BREATHING
Air is introduced by raising the collar-bone and
shoulders. In this way, only the upper part of the lungs receives any fresh
air. It is the least satisfactory method of breathing and is often characteristic
of women.
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