Simple answers to common questions.
A. The answer lies in the rhythm and balance of your breathing. Deep, slow diaphragmatic breathing has a natural 1-to-1 rhythm of inspiration and expiration. However, those of us suffering from chronic stress may be chest-breathing, where the chest is pulled up by the muscles in the neck and at the base of the scull, drawing in relatively little air. In this mode, inspiration and expiration become unbalanced and tempo increases, and we lose our rhythm. Chest-breathing can result in low CO2 levels, causing arterial constriction and reducing hemoglobin’s ability to deliver oxygen to the body tissue. Simply Breathe can help train your breathing back into a natural, healthy rhythm.
A. Simply Breathe uniquely measures sessions by breaths, not minutes. You can do just a few breaths or up to 40, and we encourage you to find the time for a few deep breaths at least once or twice a day. You’ll be surprised at how quickly the sessions go by.
A. We want you to be safe and enjoy using Simply Breathe, and we encourage you to ask your healthcare provider if you have any illness or condition, such as diabetes, low blood pressure, or kidney disease, that might contraindicate its use.
A. For beginners, we recommend just three long, deep breaths at about three breaths per minute, in order to avoid straining the diaphragm. After a few days, you may increase the number of breaths and find a pace that feels right for you, usually between 3 and 7 breaths per minute.
A. Beginners have a slight tendency to over-breathe and may become dizzy. If this happens, stop and rest. Experienced deep breathers may get a feeling of heightened awareness, called the “relaxation response”, after an exercise session.
A. Never disregard, delay or avoid seeking the advice of or treatments prescribed by your healthcare provider in favor of using Simply Breathe. We encourage you to talk with your healthcare provider about changes in your health.
A. Exhaling through the nose re-moisturizes the membranes of the nasal passages and trachea, allowing them to do a better job of filtering the air you breathe.
Cenala has provided this material for your information. It is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your primary health care provider. We encourage you talk with your health care provider if you are considering using breathing exercises for a particular health condition.