Hengitysliikkeet

Hengitysliikkeet, often translated as respiratory movements or breathing exercises, refer to the physical actions involved in inhaling and exhaling. These movements are fundamental to life, facilitating the exchange of gases in the lungs. The primary muscles involved in normal, quiet breathing are the diaphragm and the intercostal muscles. When the diaphragm contracts, it flattens and moves downwards, increasing the volume of the chest cavity. Simultaneously, the external intercostal muscles contract, lifting the ribs outwards and upwards, further expanding the chest. This increase in volume leads to a decrease in pressure within the lungs, causing air to rush in.

Exhalation during quiet breathing is largely a passive process. The diaphragm and intercostal muscles relax, allowing the elastic recoil of the lungs and chest wall to decrease the chest cavity volume. This increases the pressure within the lungs, forcing air out. Forced breathing, such as during exercise or speech, involves additional muscles. The abdominal muscles contract to forcefully push the diaphragm upwards, and the internal intercostal muscles contract to pull the ribs downwards and inwards, significantly reducing the chest volume and expelling air more rapidly.

Beyond their physiological necessity, controlled breathing exercises are utilized in various practices, including yoga, meditation, and physiotherapy. These practices often focus on deepening the breath, increasing its rate, or coordinating it with other movements to promote relaxation, improve lung capacity, or manage stress. Different techniques exist, each with specific aims, but all involve consciously manipulating the natural patterns of respiratory movements.