Breathing Training

Autonomic Optimised Respiration
by Dean O'Rourke
+61413 633 659
dean@breathingmechanics.com.au
www.breathingmechanics.com.au
Appointments at ATUNE Health Centres, Cardiff, NSW, Australia: 0249 544 511
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Establishing Optimal Breathing Function could you reduce your risk of aerosol infection.
Very few people are aware that your breathing function (24/7 breathing habit) may increase or decrease your risk of respiratory infection. Dysfunctional breathing could place you at greater risk and is normally characterised by an excessive mouth breathing habit, and in some cases, an elevated respiratory rate (breaths per minute). In brief, the following factors may increase risk of infection around the clock:
  • A mouth breathing habit (or excessive mouth breathing) increases the volume of air inhaled each breath, thus increasing exposure to all airborne particles, breath by breath.
  • A mouth breathing habit allows for only tonsil filtration of that volume of air inhaled. The extensive filtration system present in the nasal cavity is bypassed, resulting in a significant reduction in filtration of the inhaled air, breath by breath.
  • An excessive respiratory rate increases exposure to airborne particles as the volume of inhaled air is increased.
  • An excessive mouth breathing habit and or excessive respiratory rate increases adrenal output and sympathetic nervous activity. This can lead to increased inflammatory responses in the body.

Establishing Optimal Breathing Function (Autonomic Optimised Respiration) is a simple and wise course of action that may reduce your risk of infection or reduce the severity of infection. AOR is habitual nose-to-diaphragm breathing at a rate of 6 to 10 breaths per minute at rest. The potential benefits of Autonomic Optimised Respiration
  • Constant nasal breathing reduces exposure to airborne particles, breath by breath, as the nasal passages are smaller than the mouth.
  • Nasal breathing significantly increases filtration of the reduced volume of air inhaled, breath by breath. Thus, a habitual nasal breather inhales less air and filters it maximally every single breath. 
  • Nasal breathing increases Nitric Oxide production in the upper airways. Nitric Oxide assists in the defence against airborne pathogens.
  • Slow nose-to-diaphragm breathing function increases parasympathetic dominance (reduced adrenal output) in the body. This can boost immune function and reduce inflammatory responses in the body, day and night.
  • Full diaphragm function enhances lymphatic circulation, boosting immune function.
  • 24/7 nasal breathing provides a constant and comprehensive filtration defence from airborne particles regardless of whether a mask is worn.
  • AOR can also help those struggling to wear a mask to breathe more easily.

More details on the benefits of Optimal Breathing Function are detailed in the research, The Physiological Effects of Slow Breathing in the Healthy Human. However, breathing function is in need of further research, particularly in relation to respiratory infections. Optimal breathing function can simply and quickly be established using Breathing Therapy. 
Short article on Humming and Nitric Oxide
​This video is for information purposes only.