Should We Breathe Less? Why this matters for asthmatics.
Sent by Breath Curriculum | April 24, 2025
Something Personal: A Message That Moved Me
Reading your stories about how breathing has improved your life is the best part of my week.
Just as meaningful is hearing how these real-life stories have supported some of you as well, to connect the dots and understand how breathing can help in your own life.
Today, I want to share a story I think will resonate with you or someone you know. A close friend forwarded me this message from his mom, who completed the course Reduce Stress and Anxiety.
Read her story:
Something Scientific: A Study That Changed People’s Lives
30 years ago, at a hospital in Australia, researchers found that asthmatics who practiced a technique of breathing less decreased their use of beta₂-agonist medication by nearly 50% in just 12 weeks, compared to no change in the control group.
The “breathing less” group also showed reduced minute volume, a trend toward lower inhaled steroid use, and greater improvements in quality of life.
More about breathing less here.
Something For You To Practice: Breathe Less
Breathing less can be tricky to understand, but if you feel a light air hunger, you're on the right track. What is air hunger?
Try this:
Now, exhale and hold your breath with your lungs empty. Soon, you might feel pressure in your chest, a spasm in your diaphragm, or hear a voice in your head saying, “I need to breathe!” — that’s air hunger.
Learn all about breathing less and much more in this course — the same one that helped my friend’s mom with her asthma.
Key takeaway: Less is more.
Next up: What I do when I panic, when taking deep breaths is a bad idea, and how to take a deep breath.
Best,
Elsa
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