Wall Street Journal article suggests breathing is "the most basic medicine"

A former biofeedback client alerted me to this article in the January 27th Wall Street Journal, Breathe Better: Doctors Try Using the Most Basic Medicine.  The article discusses the health benefits of “slow, deep and consistent breathing.”  After checking out the article, I invite you to click on the second link to watch a youtube video showing 7 minutes of a training session in the Biofeedback Wellness Studio as a client practices “the most basic medicine.” 

Here’s the Wall Street Journal link:  http://www.wsj.com/articles/breathing-for-your-better-health-1422311283

And now, thanks for taking time to watch the youtube video and witness the effects of slow diaphragmatic breathing on the heart:  http://youtu.be/EapnBw0iJ_A

Here are a few thoughts I had after reading the article:

1. While this is a great article, I disagree that the breathing needs to be “deep.”  Taking a deep breath can certainly be a great way to start the process, but beyond that, “easy and effortless” slow breathing seems to create a better relaxation response. 

2.  I also dislike the phrase “forcing your abdomen to expand.”  There is no need to force.  Again, it will become easy and effortless with a little practice.

3.  I haven’t used the Spire device mentioned in the article, so I cannot offer a critique; however, in checking out their website, it appears the device does not also monitor heart rate, as is done with biofeedback.