Panic Attacks, Stress, and Anxiety
Over-breathing which occurs during stress (hyperventilation) and anxiety can put an individual into a vicious cycle of further stress. When we over-breathe, we cause a reduction in our arterial carbon dioxide. This causes an increase in the stress hormones in the body, putting the individual into a state of flight/fight. When in a state of anxiety our breathing is affected, and we tend to over-breathe, and the cycle goes on.
Breathing training can help resolve breathing dysfunctions associated with anxiety and panic attacks by breaking this vicious cycle. By normalising the breathing pattern through exercises the individual is able to reduce the stress hormones in the body, settling the state of stress and panic.