Breath
Our breathing is a function that can be quite easily influenced arbitrarily. The practice of breathing is one of the most effective ways to control and regulate the state.
The type of exercises used, their effect and duration are both calming and activating.
Breathing with a longer inhalation leads to activation (excitation) of the body, and breathing with a longer exhalation, on the contrary, causes a calming effect.
The most famous practices of breathing exercises include: pranayama from hatha yoga, respiratory complexes from qigong, do ying, Tibetan yoga; transpersonal breathing: rebirthing, holotropic breathing and many other techniques.
Breathing exercises promote relaxation, help to get rid of anxiety and restless thoughts. When combined with a positive mindset, breathing exercises help develop a calm and positive outlook on life in general.
Breathing exercises can reveal the internal reserves of the human body, activate the work of internal organs and systems, increasing metabolism. Breathing exercises cleanse the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract, strengthen the respiratory muscles.
In psychotherapy, along with other methods, breathing practices are used for:
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neuroses;
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panic attacks;
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depressive states;
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disorders of the nervous system;
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chronic fatigue syndrome;
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sexual disorders, etc.
But there are also contraindications:
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age up to 6 years;
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elevated temperature;
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acute diseases and exacerbations of chronic;
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I trimester of pregnancy;
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during an exacerbation of mental illness.