What is our chemistry? Well it’s essentially the acid/ base physiology of our body; the pH balance of our blood. When we are in homeostasis (dynamic equilibrium) the pH of our blood is between 7.38 -7.45. In other words, in our natural balanced state, we are slightly alkaline.
When we overbreathe we lose too much CO2. As the CO2 concentration falls, the blood becomes more alkaline, the pH shifts above 7.45 (Respiratory Alkalosis), and the bond that enables four oxygen molecules to attach to a haemoglobin molecule, strengthens causing less oxygen to be released at the point of delivery to the cells.
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hypocapnia also causes vasoconstriction in smooth muscle, including blood vessels and bronchial tubes (asthma), so not only is there less oxygen released from the blood, the vasoconstriction reduces blood flow. An accurate measure of arterial CO2 (PACO2) is found by monitoring our exhaled CO2 (ETCO2).
The aim of Breath Coaching is to recognise overbreathing patterns and through learning how to breathe optimally, restore health and performance.
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