Because we do it without much consideration we tend to under estimate the importance of breathing until we have problems in that area.

We tend to think about the absorption of oxygen when breathing and not really pay much attention to carbon dioxide. It is not well known to many that long slow breaths, about 8-10 per minute is an important health tip. When the levels of carbon dioxide increase it helps our body absorb oxygen more efficiently. That is why exercise is good for us, it increases carbon dioxide levels.

Long slow breathes improve our health and can extend our lives. Cancer patients tend to breathe at 18-25 breaths per minute.

Exercise is so healthy exactly because it increases carbon dioxide levels in the blood and that is exactly what happens when we slow our breathing down, we increase carbon dioxide and that affects the oxygen disassociation curve so we end up with more oxygen delivered to the cells. – Dr Marc Sircus

Vernon Johnston cured himself of cancer (prostrate and bone) with good diet, sodium bicarbonate and four hours of conscious breathing a day quotes Dr Sircus in a recent article.

Yoga practitioners understand the importance of breathing and use it effectively.

Being more aware of our breathing can reduce pain and stress and improve the quality of our lives.

Motivational Kinesiology has several techniques to improve breathing.