Oxygen and CO₂

Did you know that breathing is not only about oxygen?

Most people believe that oxygen is the key factor in breathing and health. While oxygen is essential, carbon dioxide (CO₂) plays an equally important role in how efficiently our body functions.

In breathing therapy, we often talk about capnia, which refers to the level of carbon dioxide present in the blood. Maintaining healthy CO₂ levels is crucial for optimal oxygen delivery, nervous system regulation, cardiovascular function and overall wellbeing.

When we habitually overbreathe (breathing too much or too fast), we tend to eliminate excessive amounts of CO₂. This can lead to a state known as hypocapnia (low CO₂ levels), which may contribute to symptoms such as:

• Shortness of breath
• Anxiety and stress
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Reduced concentration
• Increased muscle tension

Contrary to popular belief, breathing more is not always better.

Learning to breathe efficiently can help restore healthy CO₂ tolerance, improve oxygen use at the cellular level, support nervous system balance and promote greater resilience to stress.

Breathing is not just about getting oxygen in: it is about creating the right balance between oxygen and carbon dioxide, so the body can function optimally.

The quality of our breathing influences the quality of our health.