The Respiratory Wave: 

Do you have bad breath?

by Dr. Jim Morano, D.C.

Breath...  After passing through the Arches of Life, one of the very first experiences we have is the taking of breath.  Miraculously, we already know how to do it.  Unless there is birth trauma, in the early moments of our existence, we breathe perfectly, fully and deeply, or said another way, diaphragmatically.  However, life experiences change our breath.  At death, the breath passes out of the body never to return.

As a fully certified Network Spinal Analysis specialist, I evaluate and assist people with their breath patterns every day by helping them clear emotional, mental, chemical, and physical tension from their nervous system and the deep tissues of their body through entrainments.  As a Yoga instructor and practitioner, I understand the breath’s role in promoting ease in the body and in our life.  Finally, as a Doctor of Chiropractic, I understand how nerve interference and imbalances in nerve physiology contribute to poor breath patterns, as well as, the healing implications of a more expanded breath.

Suffice it to say, breath is life.  Plants breathe, fish breathe, bacteria breathe, algae breathe, animals breathe, and humans breathe.  Without the breath, life ceases.  Breath is an exchange of energy.  Some forms of life utilize oxygen, others use carbon dioxide, and still others, nitrogen or sulphur.  The quality of this exchange is a commentary about one's life.

How many of you right now while reading this article are even aware of your breath?  In my experience, I would guess that probably not too many of you.  Realize that as an adult we breathe anywhere from 17,000 to 28,000 times in one day and 440,000,000 to 735,000,000 (that's hundreds of millions) over an average lifetime.  So, you might ask: Why should we be aware of it, when the body does it automatically?  Isn't that the body's job, so we don't have to think about it?  I'm breathing right now so what's the big deal?

The big deal is this: Breath not only keeps you alive, but the way you breathe and the level of awareness you have with your breath, according to current research, is very much related to your quality of life.  In fact, there is an enormous amount of data showing that changes in the rate and depth of breathing produce changes in a person's neurology and vice versa.  Neuropeptides or endorphins [protein messenger molecules concentrated in the nervous, immune, endocrine (hormonal), and digestive systems] are released from the brainstem in varying amounts when we alter our breathing patterns.

"The peptide-respiratory link is well documented," according to Dr. Candace Pert, a neuroscientist, discoverer of the opiate receptor, and author of the book Molecules of Emotion.  "Virtually any peptide found anywhere else [in the body] can be found in the respiratory center [of the brainstem].  This peptide substrate may provide the scientific rationale for the powerful healing effects of consciously controlled breath patterns."  Breath affects the many feedback mechanisms utilized by the body to maintain its state of balance or homeostasis.  Dr. Pert and others have suggested that breath plays an important role in a person's emotional state as well.  The implication is that emotional well-being is intimately involved in the body's ability to heal itself and breath plays an important role in that process.

Realizing the body is a network of various subsystems, Dr. Donald Epstein, developer and researcher of Network Spinal Analysis, agrees with Dr. Pert.  The research has revealed that, "Under Network care, the brain may generate two waves which are associated with the dissipation of energy [or tension], enhanced vertebral motion, coordination of the spinal subsystems, and enhanced well-being.  One of these waves is known as the respiratory wave.  It is characterized by a full and profound natural rhythmic breathing, which begins at the base of the spine, progresses upward between the shoulder blades, around the shoulders, and into the neck.  This wave gently rocks the spinal bones and melts tension".  Further, "clinical observations suggest that energy is dissipated through the emotional subsystem via increased respiratory wave activity".  The development of these waves through entrainments applied by a Network chiropractor has been shown to have a broad range of health and wellness benefits.

Yogis and practitioners of some Eastern disciplines have mastered various breathing techniques that reduce the perception of pain, change the heart rate, heat or cool the body, and bring ease into the body.  In fact, following the breath is one of the highest forms of meditation.  "Breath moves the body; its pauses, its strains, its flow is the animation of body posture," states Yogi Ananda Viraj.  Also, for generations moms have practiced breathing techniques that minimize pain experienced during childbirth.  Prana, chi, and life force are terms often used interchangeably when referring to aspects of the breath and breathing.

From a medical physiology perspective, "The primary goal of breathing is to provide oxygen to the tissues and remove carbon dioxide."  However, science is starting to uncover that the role of breath is much more far-reaching.  A full, natural, diaphragmatic breath is crucial to our quality of life, has health and wellness benefits, and aids in the dissipation of energy or tension from the many subsystems of the body, including the emotional subsystem.  The dissipation of this energy is critical to a person’s ability to optimize their self-regulating and self-healing capabilities mediated by the central nervous system.  Simply put, breath is life; bad breath is not.

Biography:

Dr. Jim Morano owns and operates Big River Chiropractic in Austin at 3640 Bee Cave Road.  His mission is to facilitate and advance the healing process for all who wish to optimize their health and wellness.  Utilizing Network Spinal Analysis, he is able to accomplish this mission.  He is a healer, educator, speaker, and writer on a variety of topics.  He is available at 512-481-0300 for consultations, discussions, corporate workshops, and health screenings.

© 2001 Jim Morano, Doctor of Chiropractic, Austin, TX  • (512) 481-0300 • drjim@bigriverchiropractic.com