Can it help with asthma or respiratory problems?
The causes of asthma are thought to be numerous. Some people are born with a predisposition to it. Others point the finger at environmental factors like pollution. An auto-immune or allergic reaction is often thought to be relevant. Whatever the perceived cause, we can manage the problem more effectively – and diminish its hold on us – by learning to breathe more efficiently. That’s not the same thing as breathing deeply. If the ribcage and diaphragm are not able to move freely during quiet respiration (i.e. when you’re not doing anything in particular) then your breathing will not be functioning at it’s best no matter how you try to control it or tinker with it consciously. The workings of our respiratory and postural systems are very closely interlinked. Problems such as a tight neck or a shortened, compressed spine will tend to reduce the mobility of the ribcage, thereby diminishing the capacity and efficiency of our breathing. The Alexander technique has helped many asthma sufferer
