Breath Practice and Physiological Functions of Breathing, Part I

1. The primary function of the respiratory system is to deliver oxygen into the body and distribute it to the bloodstream, then carrying it to the body's cells.

2. All bodily cells need oxygen to function.

3. O2 or Oxygen's function is as a creative energizer in the cells of the body.

4. When oxygen is delivered to the body's cells, production of waste is created called CO2 or Carbon Dioxide.

5. CO2 or Carbon Dioxide is expelled out of the lungs through exhalation.

6. In breath practice for visual awareness, the fundamental structure of the respiratory system is the lungs, protective ribs, trachea, and the muscular structure known as the diaphragm.

7. The diaphragm is a large, elongated, dome-shaped muscle stationed below the lungs and is often referred to in breath practice.

8. During inhalation the diaphragm contracts and flattens, providing more space in the chest for air to make its entrance into the body.

9. The diaphragm relaxes while performing upward movement, minimizing the volume in the chest, then pushing air out of the lungs.

10. As a person inhales, air will travel through the nostrils or the mouth, downward through the trachea, and into the lungs. As stated above in #8, the diaphragm contracts and flattens itself during inhalation.

11. Also, in the external intercostal muscles between the ribs contract, lifting the ribs upwardly and outwardly, causing the chest cavity to expand.

12. This makes the air pressure inside a person's lungs lower in comparison to the outside of the lungs.

This information is provided for general informational purposes and is not a substitute or definitive to replace physicians' care.