A Gentle but Awkward Breathing Technique for Fibromyalgia Relief

breathing technique for fibromyalgia
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Last Updated on December 23, 2021 by melissanreynolds

What do anxiety and fibromyalgia have in common? The central nervous system. I have a breathing technique for fibromyalgia that can help you with all of the above.

If you have been following me for any amount of time, you may have noticed my passion for utilising the central nervous system for managing fibromyalgia.

For taking tools and managing my symptoms, while working on the root cause, myself, anytime, anywhere.

breathing technique for fibromyalgia

Today I have a breathing practice for you that can help balance the central nervous system – Alternate Nostril Breathing. It is a yogic breathing technique that has many benefits for us.

This article on WebMD puts it this way:

“With regular practice, alternate-nostril breathing can bring better balance to your nervous system and less stress response and activity over time.”

What You Need to Know About Alternate-Nostril Breathing
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My post about the central nervous system, restorative yoga and fibromyalgia summarises the benefits of a balanced central nervous system:

  • Better sleep
  • Less pain
  • Reduced anxiety
  • Relaxation
  • Good digestion
  • Heal well
  • Have enough energy
  • Less brain fog

Yes please to all of those!

benefits of balancing the central nervous system

This study looked at the use of breathing exercises on women with fibromyalgia in 2018:

“After 12 weeks of breathing exercises significant improvements were observed in the mean values of the treatment effects on pain thresholds tolerance on tender points and in the functional capacity to perform daily life, pain, and fatigue in favor of the exercise group. Gains in second rib, occiput, and supraspinatus pairs of the tender points predict improvements in the functional capacity, pain, and fatigue.”

Breathing Exercises Must Be a Real and Effective Intervention to Consider in Women with Fibromyalgia: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

This is something I have personally experienced. Once I learned to breath better (with help from a physiotherapist) and then began practicing regular yogic breathing techniques, I have reduced tension in my upper body. Particularly in my sub-occiput regions (base of the skull).

Helpful Tips for Practicing this Breathing Technique for Fibromyalgia

Without any more preamble let’s actually practice it ourselves – because that is how we get the benefit from these tools. Watch the video through and then give it a go. Don’t get too hung up on the finger placements. You can also think about using each nostril without covering them.

The Breathing Technique for Fibromyalgia Video

This very gentle pranayama practice is accessible for almost everyone. If you experience high blood pressure or are pregnant, please limit how many counts you are breathing in and out for and don’t hold your breath.

More Posts About the Central Nervous System and Fibromyalgia

Restorative Yoga, the Central Nervous System and Fibromyalgia

The Central Nervous System and Meditation

Breathing, The Central Nervous System and Fibromyalgia

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