Breathing is a fundamental biological process that we do unconsciously every day. But did you know that how you breathe can affect your health and well-being? Studies have shown that slowing down your breathing to just 5-6 breaths per minute can help to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve overall health and well-being. In this blog post, we’ll explore the concepts of heart rate variability and resonance frequency breathing and how they can benefit your health and well-being.
What is Heart Rate Variability? Heart rate variability (HRV) refers to the variation in time between consecutive heartbeats. It’s an indicator of the activity of the autonomic nervous system, which regulates involuntary bodily functions such as heart rate, breathing, digestion, and immune function. A high HRV indicates a healthy autonomic nervous system that can respond to stressors effectively, while a low HRV indicates a less adaptable system that may be vulnerable to stress-related health problems.
What is Resonance Frequency Breathing? Resonance frequency breathing is a practice that can help to improve HRV and promote relaxation. It involves breathing at a specific rate that matches the natural resonant frequency of the cardiovascular system, which is around 6 breaths per minute. Breathing at this rate can stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for rest and relaxation. It can also reduce the production of stress hormones such as cortisol and improve mood, reduce anxiety and depression, and improve overall cardiovascular health.
How to Practice Resonance Frequency Breathing: To practice resonance frequency breathing, find a comfortable and quiet place to sit. Sit upright with your feet flat on the ground and your hands resting on your lap. Breathe in through your nose for a count of 4 and breathe out through your mouth for a count of 6. Keep the breathing light and quiet, and avoid over breathing or forcing the breathing. With consistent practice, you’ll find that you can slow down your breathing and tap into the parasympathetic nervous system’s benefits to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and improve your cardiovascular health.
Benefits of HRV and Resonance Frequency Breathing:
• Reduce stress and anxiety
• Lower blood pressure
• Improve cardiovascular health
• Improve immune function
• Improve mood and overall well-being
• Improve athletic performance
Conclusion: Breathing is a powerful tool that can help to improve your health and well-being. HRV and resonance frequency breathing are two techniques that can promote relaxation, reduce stress, and improve cardiovascular health. By practicing resonance frequency breathing regularly, you can tap into the benefits of a slower breathing rate and enhance your overall well-being.
If you’re interested in taking a deeper dive into breathing techniques and sharing your passion with others, consider joining our training programmes in Oxygen Advantage and HANU Certified Coach in HRV and biofeedback. More details on our Teacher Training page.
Remember to always consult your doctor before starting any new breathing practice, especially if you have a medical condition that affects your breathing or heart rate.