Endogenous Respiration, Endogenic Breathing, Endogenous Breathing (EB)

Firstly and most simply, a basic fact.

Transport of oxygen into a cell is controlled by the partial pressure of oxygen at the surface of the cell. Since air is about 21% oxygen and the normal (barometric) pressure of air is 760 mm of mercury, the partial pressure of oxygen is then 0.21*760 or about 160 mm. Increasing the percentage of oxygen in the atmosphere surrounding the cell will thus increase the partial pressure of oxygen (as when breathing pure oxygen) as will increasing the total or barometric pressure (as when breathing compressed air).

-- Contributed by Richard Bleam, Bioscienceinc.com

QUESTION.

Is this good or bad?

ANSWER.

It depends.

One of endogenic breathing's (EB's) primary purposes is to train you to NOT be uncomfortable with less breathing. Sort of increase your toleration of carbon dioxide or train you to be comfortable even during periods of shortness of breath. To breathe creating more internal lung blood pressure and make smaller the air bubbles thus concentrating the oxygen that does go into the blood.

The issue is HOW does the oxygen get into the cells? What is the impact on the nervous system during the breathing process? There is both an emotional as well as biochemical impact. When I practiced it using my favorite Endogenous Respiration (EB) Trainer (an excellent method when being trained properly in its use, which may require a human guide) I was at first enthusiastic and actually excited about developing EB to the max. But after a few days of training I began to notice a constriction inside myself that felt like someone or something was not allowing me to completely relax. My focus was better but my ability to let go of that focus had been limited. I was always a little too "on."

For some this extra focus and oxygen and nervous system adjustment can be even life saving because their emotions and/or energy swings were so low or swinging widely that restoration of any aspect of homeostasis can be quite helpful. The keys will be the cross over points where this style of oxygenation stimulates the nervous system beyond healthy emotional connection in to sense of self barriers.

So I suspect that excessive endogenous respiration can add to a healthier life but with exceptions; and not necessarily extend it. Though I may find adamant opposition to this opinion by ERs most staunch proponents.

Would I do EB via the training device again? If I got real sick or felt rundown for some reason I could not attribute to stress or nutrition or lack of exercise? Probably.

Would I use it as a sports trainer? Perhaps because properly used, it DOES improve efficiency. The question is where is the cross over period where efficiency is robbing one of internal process and inviting accessory breathing system reduction of coordination? Where is it that we become driven instead of the driver?

Well, some "fierce competitors" just do not care about that. But that is their choice and they should at least understand that they pay a price for that, including probable shortening of their potential life span. For more about this please refer to my article called Sports Induced Breathing problems. It basically states that any competitive sports that requires gasping and breath heaving is another way to accelerate a shortened life span.

Strictly speaking our red blood cells are the major transport vehicle of O2 into your body. Endogenous breathing (EB) helps to increase blood pressure in the lungs and concentrate the O2 in your red blood cells.

Buteyko, one style of Endogenous Breathing training, is an approach to handle asthma. I believe it causes too much shortness of breath stress and does value development of the natural breathing reflex and positive emotional intensity stemming from that. My experience tells me that asthma stems from excessive high chest breathing and a weakened foundation of the bottom of the breath. A key part of optimal breathing is not underbreathing, rather balanced breathing. It is faster to achieve and accomplished without creating discomfort from breath holding.

I believe that excesses of EB can lead to an excess of physical constriction and a lack of deepest inner peace. Optimal breathing on the other hand which includes a balance of appropriate endogenous respiration as well as natural breathing reflex development will both enhance and extend life span, without fail.

There are many other ways to effect varying percentages of EB without having to cause internal stress and constriction. Some forms of movement and breathing such as certain yoga postures, Chi Kung, modern dance, the Ab Doer, or Pilates come to mind. But there are harmful stress crossover points with all of these so our special way of training may well be a good way of quantifying and developing this internal gas exchange aspect for many in need of better breathing.

An extremely simple exercise using endogenous breathing insights is what I call the Squeeze and Breathe

For breathing that is centering and calmly energizing. Sit supported by a small round pillow as above or out near the edge of a fairly hard surfaced chair, stool or arm of a couch, with feet flat on the floor, or stand. Both of these positions need an erect but not so stiff posture. Be "tallest" with your chin slightly above the horizon. If you stand, bend your knees slightly so as to unlock them. Place your thumbs over your kidneys (below your back ribs and above your pelvis). Wrap your fingers around your sides. Squeeze gently as you nose breathe long slow deep breaths into your squeezed fingers and thumbs.

Let your tongue lightly touch the roof or your mouth and your jaw relax.

Take 10 complete in and out breaths.

Did that feel good? Try bringing your shoulders back about two to three inches as you breathe in. NOT UP, but BACK. Was it easier to breathe? Do it THAT way then.

Repeat 5-10 10-second breathing cycles with a few seconds rest in between or for as long as it feels good.

There are better ways of addressing anxiety or shortness of breath but they need our training video for proper direction.

Regardless of what you choose, you owe it to yourself to try our Recommended Program