Monday, January 03, 2011
Breathing Efficiency
Contrary to what has been previously thought, HDL Cholesterol, Body Mass, or Blood Pressure is NOT the best predictor of long-term longevity in the general population---Pulmonary function occupies that role. Although the former is extremely important, few clinics assess breathing mechanics & efficiency to determine dysfunctional breathing even though all epidemiology studies directly point to Breathing Efficiency as a Long Term predictor of Mortality in the General Population.
Our modern medical paradigm bases pulmonary function on factors that relate to the anatomy and physiology of the lungs. At times, the mechanical relationships of the chest cavity and of the diaphragm are considered important, but for the most part, they are rarely considered in the ordinary management of most pulmonary diseases such as emphysema, asthma, and restrictive lung disorders.
The bulk of our management of these kinds of disorders is aimed at pharmacological intervention. Drugs fail to appreciate the potential role of CNS coordinated muscle firing synergy, posture, rib flexibility or diaphragmatic excursion as independent factors that can improve lung function. It would be unheard of in the development of opera singing, powerful public speaking, or world class athletics to ignore the importance of respiratory faults, accessory breathing muscles, and breathing coordination.
