Benefit of coherent breathing

[PhilFreeToAsk]

Before PMR, I was experiencing bouts of arrythmia. Even on controlling drugs, it still occurred about every 25 days. At the start of PMR, I was diagnosed with moderate Aortic Stenosis. A symptom of Aortic Stenosis can be arrythmia. I was told that my condition would deteriorate and so regularly monitored.

I have a wonderful Qigong teacher who also runs Yoga classes. She introduced me to Qigong’s 6 healing sounds about 6 months ago and Coherent Breathing 3 months ago. I started practicing Qigong’s 6 healing sounds which is quite complex and I had to learn this myself. About 3 months ago, I started practicing 20 minutes daily coherent breathing.

Everything should indicate an increase in arrythmia episodes and a reduction would seem impossible without further medical intervention, Since practicing, my arrythmia episodes have reduced to about 70 days. I feel my heart is functioning better and lowered my blood pressure. I feel that coherent breathing has been a major benefit for me and helping me through PMR.

Coherent breathing is free although I did splash out £15 for a book to guide me.

[Viveka]

Great, it's good to see natural methods helping. Is coherent breathing a Heartmath institute technique or part of Qi gong?

[PhilFreeToAsk in reply to Viveka]

Coherent breathing is rhythmical breathing at 5 breaths per minute. I believe it is from pranayama and the idea is to also use resistance breathing or the Ocean breath (ujjayi) when able to breath at 5 breaths per minute. I am not aware of the Heartmath institute technique so might have some similarities.

The coherent breathing’s health benefits are very well documented. I wish I had come across this at the beginning of my episode for PMR. It is a calming breath so reduces anxiety. It claims to strengthen the immune system and improve HRV (heart rate variability). I do wonder if I have improved my HRV and that is why my arrythmia episodes have lessened.

This is so simple and can be done at home by yourself. A wonderful exercise to support and aid recovery from PMR.