One of the more interesting, if lesser known, effects of Controlled Breathing has been documented in an experiment by a Japanese physiologist. He discovered that Controlled Breathing caused brain waves to shift to higher frequencies and that this frequency shift was associated with an increased carbon dioxide level in the central nervous system created by slow controlled breathing.

If the carbon dioxide level goes up too high, the brain functions will be certainly impaired. However, a slightly higher level of carbon dioxide level in the brain seems to not only enhance but also to stabilize the brain functions.  

One of my students who practiced Controlled Breathing reported that he was performing much better on exams: "I didn't have to squeeze out the answers; the answers just came to me. This never happened before." This is not a surprising effect, since higher brain wave frequencies are associated with enhanced levels of mental activities such as concentration, recollection, and association. The increased capillary circulation mentioned earlier probably also aids in enhancing brain activities.  

Thus, Controlled Breathing can induce sharper, more active brain functions with continued practice.

 6. Improving Concentration

The practice of Controlled Breathing requires an intense concentration on all mental and physical processes. In order to control your breathing as a slow, deliberate and regulated breathing, you must focus with utmost intensity on every minute movement of your abdominal and costal muscles, as well as really "feel" and "stay in touch" with the body. Thus, Controlled Breathing is also an exercise in concentration, and, therefore, continued practice of Controlled Breathing results in better and better concentration. As with anything, "Practice makes perfect."  

This practice not only enhances your ability to concentrate in general but also deepens the level of your concentration, due to the added benefits of the oxygen starvation and capillary circulation effects in the Whole Cerebrum, as mentioned above. Soon, you will find that you are able to achieve a level of concentration and focus that you have never experienced before.

 7. Enhanced Mental and Emotional Stability

A stable and calm mind is one of the by-products, so to speak, of Controlled Breathing exercises. Most panic attacks cause hyperventilation or choking sensation. One of the common practices for controlling panic attacks is to place a small bag over the mouth and nose and breathe only the air in and out of the bag. This rapidly increases the level of carbon dioxide in the inhaled air, and the increased carbon dioxide level in the Brain Stem seems to exert an anti-panic effect and blocks the further progression of the attack. 

The increased level of carbon dioxide level in the brain created through Controlled Breathing, therefore, also has this calming effect. Also, the deeper level of concentration required by Controlled Breathing further blocks anxiety reactions. When your mind and body are unified and in harmony, which can be achieved through Controlled Breathing, there is little room for anxiety. As a result, you become emotionally more calm and stable, and even unshakable. By the same token, Controlled Breathing can help you reduce or deal with stress more effectively.

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