About
Course Material by Dr. Suzanne Henwood It is said that we exist between two breaths – the first breath we ever take, as we arrive in the world as a baby – an inspiration – followed by a loud cry - and a final expiration, as our physical body stops breathing for us, with one last out breath. If we were to add up the number of breaths an average adult takes, it is somewhere in the region of 20 thousand breaths every day (roughly 10 million breaths each year). Having said that, of course there is huge variability, the range is generally quoted as being from 17 – 30 thousand breaths daily based on 16 breaths per minute (with 12-20 being seen as within the normal range). Despite this natural, regular activity, it is claimed that “If you’re like most people, your breathing pattern likely has some issues like, for example, over-breathing, chest breathing, and holding your breath” (https://patrikedblad.com/habits/how-to-breathe/). And , “it has been estimated that approximately one third of people don’t breathe well enough to sustain normal health”) https://www.lenus.ie/bitstream/handle/10147/559021/JAN15Art7.pdf?sequence=1). A common trend is towards over breathing, initiated by stress, sitting, poor nutrition and constant talking.