Voluntary Control of Respiration Patterns in the Reduction of Excessive Stress

Abstract

The purpose of this chapter is to discuss using voluntary control of respiration patterns in the reduction of excessive stress. As used in this text, voluntary controlled respiration refers to the process by which the client exerts voluntary control over his or her breathing pattern—in effect, breath control. There exist hundreds of diverse patterns of controlled respiration; we shall examine only several which we feel have particular introductory utility for the clinician concerned with the treatment of the stress response. The exercises presented here are by no means to be considered the only exercises that may be used. We have simply chosen several patterns which we have found to be extremely simple to learn, as well as effective. Simply stated, the goal of voluntary controlled respiration in the treatment of excessive stress is to have the client voluntarily alter his or her rhythmic pattern of breathing so as to create a more relaxed state. The following discussion is most relevant to that stated goal.