Stress is truly the single common element in almost every health challenge. It has been estimated that over 90% of all illnesses are stress related. With this information, the more you can diminish the impact of stress on your body the better you will feel and the better your health will be. 

In my office, Life Chiropractic in Grass Valley we use a combination of Corrective Chiropractic Care, Conscious Breathwork, and Posterior Chain Muscle Activation to combat stress. 

In fact, one of the benefits of this work is that you can learn how to self-regulate your nervous system and rewire your body’s stress response. What does this mean?

• It means that many challenges that cause you problems now will no longer bother you. 
• It gives you greater agency over your body – be more of the cause and less the effect

When it comes to breathing techniques, Oxygen Advantage instructors swear by LSD—Light, Slow, and Deep breathing. And no, we’re not talking about the psychedelic kind. Here, LSD stands for Light, Slow, and Deep. These three principles capture the essence of effective breathing practices. Let’s break down what each one means and why it’s so beneficial:

L – Light (Biochemical Dimension)

Light breathing is all about taking in just enough air to maintain a balanced level of carbon dioxide (CO2) in your system. By keeping your breaths light, you avoid overloading your system with too much oxygen. This balance is crucial because it helps regulate blood pH and enhances your body’s tolerance to CO2. Essentially, light breathing helps keep your biochemical environment in check, which can improve overall efficiency and resilience.

S – Slow (Psychophysiological Dimension)

Slow breathing is about pacing your breaths to engage the body’s relaxation response. When you breathe slowly, you activate the parasympathetic nervous system—the part of your nervous system responsible for relaxation and recovery. This slow pace stimulates the vagus nerve, helping to slow down your heart rate and lower stress levels. It’s an excellent way to calm your mind and body, enhance focus, and manage stress more effectively.

D – Deep (Biomechanical Dimension)

Deep breathing focuses on fully engaging your diaphragm. This approach is essential for optimizing the biomechanical function of your breathing muscles. By breathing deeply, you ensure that your diaphragm is effectively supporting your posture and stabilizing your spine. Proper diaphragmatic breathing also improves the delivery of oxygen to your tissues and helps prevent respiratory muscle fatigue. For athletes and everyday performance alike, deep breathing is crucial for maintaining efficiency and functionality.

The LSD approach—Light, Slow, and Deep—is an easy to remember comprehensive strategy that addresses different aspects of breathing. It promotes biochemical balance, encourages relaxation, and enhances mechanical efficiency. For Oxygen Advantage instructors, understanding and teaching these principles helps individuals optimize their breathing and overall well-being. So, when you hear about LSD in this context, remember it’s all about breathing Lightly, Slowly, and Deeply!