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In relation to the cardiovascular system, thoracic breathing brings about reduced parasympathetic tone and increased sympathetic dominance, which are expressed in increased heart rate and cardiac output, muscle vasodilation, decreased blood flow and oxygen supply to the heart and brain, and increased likelihood of major heart abnormalities. The reduced carbon dioxide concentration in the blood is a key physiological factor underlying these effects.
Some people actually 'freeze' or immobilize the diaphragm and use the upper body to breathe in an attempt to hold back sexuality, fear, aggression and other powerful feelings. Since these emotions are associated with mooladhara, swadhishthana and manipura chakras, stiffening the diaphragm serves to isolate the associated feelings in the lower body, pushing them out of awareness. However, intentional thoracic breathing in supportive settings can also be used to induce and release strong emotions and tension as a form of therapy.
Thoracic breathing should be practised for control over the full range of breathing capacity. It is also necessary in order to perform yogic breathing and certain pranayamas. The following techniques are intended as a guide.
Thoracic breathing with passive exhalation
Lie in shavasana and relax completely. Let the breath find its natural rhythm. Maintain unbroken breath awareness. Concentrate on the sides of the chest. Discontinue any diaphragmatic breathing. Inhale by slowly expanding the ribcage. Feel the movement of the individual ribs outwards and upwards, drawing air into the lungs. Expand the chest as much as possible. Exhale by relaxing the chest muscles. Feel the ribcage relax back to the starting position, forcing the air out of the lungs. Breathe slowly and deeply with total awareness.
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