Panic attacks are terrifying, but they pose no direct medical problems. However, it's still important to develop strategies to calm yourself. Breathing techniques can be very helpful against panic attacks. Following are several different techniques that can help get your panic under control.
Sigh Breath: Some call the sigh breath "the instant tranquillizer," because it works so well for anxiety and panic. It specifically targets tension in your neck, diaphragm, and chest. When you feel the panic attack starting, say to yourself aloud: "Stop." Breathe in slowly through your nose, remembering to avoid a particularly deep inhale. Hold your breath for a second. Then breathe out gradually. Without making yourself uncomfortable, prolong the exhale as much as possible. While the air rushes out your body, relax your muscles. Concentrate on the muscles of your face, shoulders and abdomen. After you have finished exhaling, you'll experience a break before your next breath. Your diaphragm is not moving. Don't worry, this naturally happens. Just let yourself feel the tranquility. Inhale again, keeping your breath shallow.
Breathing with your diaphragm: Start by sitting comfortably in a chair, keeping your back straight. Some find closing their eyes more relaxing, so you may want to try that too. Place one hand on your chest and the other on your abdomen. Diaphragmatic breathing requires you to use your abdominal muscles. Inhale and exhale three or four times. You should not be exerting yourself. After your fourth exhale, do not immediately begin inhaling. Wait for a few moments. Without your prompting, your body should soon begin inhaling. Let your body breathe for itself. It will find its natural rhythm. Likely you will notice your abdomen regularly rising and falling. You're breathing with your diaphragm.
Meditation breathing: If you've ever taken a course in yoga or meditation, you know that by modifying your breathing, you can transform your mental state. To combat the onset of a panic attack, you can use meditative breathing to calm yourself. Sit with your back straight, and your feet flat on the ground. You want to have excellent posture, but be comfortable at the same time. Draw in a slow, deep breath. Hold your breath for a few moments, counting to five. Then exhale gradually. Before you inhale again, pause, again counting to five. Then inhale. You should be feeling a separation between your inhales and your exhales.
Buteyko Breathing: The main focus of Buteyko breathing is to reduce breathing, thus increasing carbon dioxide levels in the blood. Carbon dioxide, the body's natural tranquillizer, will calm the victim of the panic attack. However, some consider Buteyko breathing to be dangerous, as the low oxygen levels may lead to cell death. The disagreement among therapists is still quite contentious. If you decide you wish to pursue Buteyko breathing, you should work with a Buteyko instructor, for maximum safety. - 30415
Sigh Breath: Some call the sigh breath "the instant tranquillizer," because it works so well for anxiety and panic. It specifically targets tension in your neck, diaphragm, and chest. When you feel the panic attack starting, say to yourself aloud: "Stop." Breathe in slowly through your nose, remembering to avoid a particularly deep inhale. Hold your breath for a second. Then breathe out gradually. Without making yourself uncomfortable, prolong the exhale as much as possible. While the air rushes out your body, relax your muscles. Concentrate on the muscles of your face, shoulders and abdomen. After you have finished exhaling, you'll experience a break before your next breath. Your diaphragm is not moving. Don't worry, this naturally happens. Just let yourself feel the tranquility. Inhale again, keeping your breath shallow.
Breathing with your diaphragm: Start by sitting comfortably in a chair, keeping your back straight. Some find closing their eyes more relaxing, so you may want to try that too. Place one hand on your chest and the other on your abdomen. Diaphragmatic breathing requires you to use your abdominal muscles. Inhale and exhale three or four times. You should not be exerting yourself. After your fourth exhale, do not immediately begin inhaling. Wait for a few moments. Without your prompting, your body should soon begin inhaling. Let your body breathe for itself. It will find its natural rhythm. Likely you will notice your abdomen regularly rising and falling. You're breathing with your diaphragm.
Meditation breathing: If you've ever taken a course in yoga or meditation, you know that by modifying your breathing, you can transform your mental state. To combat the onset of a panic attack, you can use meditative breathing to calm yourself. Sit with your back straight, and your feet flat on the ground. You want to have excellent posture, but be comfortable at the same time. Draw in a slow, deep breath. Hold your breath for a few moments, counting to five. Then exhale gradually. Before you inhale again, pause, again counting to five. Then inhale. You should be feeling a separation between your inhales and your exhales.
Buteyko Breathing: The main focus of Buteyko breathing is to reduce breathing, thus increasing carbon dioxide levels in the blood. Carbon dioxide, the body's natural tranquillizer, will calm the victim of the panic attack. However, some consider Buteyko breathing to be dangerous, as the low oxygen levels may lead to cell death. The disagreement among therapists is still quite contentious. If you decide you wish to pursue Buteyko breathing, you should work with a Buteyko instructor, for maximum safety. - 30415
About the Author:
A panic attack is one of the most frightening disorders that you can experience. You will feel totally out of control, mentally, emotionally and physically. Find what you need to know about panic attack help at Help for Panic Attacks.
