Anatomy of BreathingMy hope is that [this book] will contribute to a more enlightened practice of breathing. I also hope that you, the reader, will have a better understanding of how breathing changes spontaneously from moment to moment. My other wish is that you will discover how to consciously choose a specific breathing technique for certain purposes or circumstances." -- Author's Preface Everyone breathes, yet few of us understand how to consciously control breathing to improve our well-being and the quality of many daily activities. Anatomy of Breathing is a clear and helpful guide to both the theory and practice of breathing in its many variations. Hundreds of expert drawings along with easy-to-understand text help you explore just how breathing works. Once you're acquainted with the principal organs, structures, and forces that affect breathing, you will learn how to control them to enhance the quality and variety of breathing in your own life. Along the way, you will also correct many common misconceptions about breathing. Anatomy of Breathing is filled with helpful practice pages. Here you will learn simple exercises to prepare your body for the benefits of different types of breathing. You will then be shown, step by step, how to practice some of the most common and useful breathing techniques on your own. Anatomy of Breathing is a unique and wonderful resource for anyone who wishes to understand the science and art of breathing, and how to make their own breathing better and more life-enhancing. |
Contents
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS | vii |
at First | 24 |
a Flexible Structure | 37 |
Copyright | |
14 other sections not shown
Common terms and phrases
abdomen abdominal cavity abdominal mass abdominal muscles abdominal organs act of breathing action airflow amplitude apnea articulations attached belly body bones bottom breathing techniques bulge causes central tendon clavicle contraction costal breathing costal cartilage costal inhalation deformable diaphragm diaphragmatic breathing diaphragmatic inhalation elastic recoil especially example exhalation expiration expiratory muscles feel fibers forces involved front glottis hand inhalation and exhalation inspiratory muscles involved in breathing layer lesser pelvis lift the ribs located lower ribs lungs mobility mouth move the ribs muscular neck nose occlusive occurs original shape pectoralis major pelvic floor pelvis perineum pleura position pressure pull pulmonary elasticity push relaxation reserve volume respiration respiratory movement respiratory volumes rib cage scalenes shoulder blade side slightly sternum stretched structure thoracic cage thoracic spine tidal volume tissue transversus abdominis trunk type of breathing type of inhalation upward vocal cords waist xiphoid process