Breath and Pain

There is much to be said about the wonder and miracle of breath and breathing. This post will focus mostly on the effect breathing patterns can have on our perception of pain.

As we inhale (breathe in), the sympathetic nervous system (SNS is briefly stimulated, leading to increased heart rate and overall arousal.

As we exhale (breathe out), the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) is briefly stimulated, leading to decreased heart rate and decreased arousal.

During shallow breathing, the SNS is primarily activated, putting us in a more agitated and anxious state – the body is getting ready for something (potentially “bad”) to happen. Our basic senses are enhanced, including the pain pathway.

During deep breathing, particularly with slow and prolonged exhalation, the PNS is activated, leading to overall relaxation and calm. The nerves that transmit and receive pain signals are not as “tense”, and our perception of pain is reduced.

This article provides simple instructions of how to practice slow deep breathing.

So remember to pause, close your eyes (optional), breathe in, and breathe out nice and slow. Gives thanks, and continue to breathe.