Breathing – why it matters?

Oxford Women’s Health physiotherapist Julee Binns recently spoke with Style Magazine about the importance of breathing correctly. In this story, which is published in the latest issue, Julee explains how breathing well maintains balance in the body and can make a big difference to overall health.
 

What is the definition of breathing well?
Breathing should be effortless and sustainable. It helps the body maintain a good balance so you’re not escalating muscle tension, which is what hyperventilation will do, and upsetting the chemical balance. People often think that breathing is hard work and it shouldn’t be. A lot of women come to see me regarding pelvic health, and if they’re breathing badly, it can escalate tension in the abdomen and pelvic area. By changing their breathing technique, it can really reset a lot of muscle tightness and tension in the body.

What effects can not breathing well have on the body? 
Most people will relate to tension in the neck and upper body. This may mean you’re using accessory breathing muscles and not breathing efficiently. This also applies to the pelvic floor.
If you’re over-breathing, you interfere with your connection to your pelvic
floor and the ability for it to relax.

Other symptoms of breathing incorrectly can include clammy hands; a fast, breathless or altering speech tone; postural and jaw tension; tremors; and yawning.

Physiotherapist Julee Binns

What are the causes of breathing problems?
Stress is a massive one. Also, not sleeping well. That sense of waking
up and still feeling like you haven’t rested. There are many parts to that but balance is the key. How much you exercise, rest, sleep...it’s about finding that equilibrium point and it’s different for each person.

What are the benefits of breathing well?
Changing a breathing pattern can have a really powerful effect on a person’s sense of wellbeing. It’s something they can control and doesn’t involve medication. Sometimes it can take about six weeks to change a pattern, so don’t expect a change in the first couple of days. It takes patience.

What are the treatment options? There are respiratory physiotherapists with a special interest in breathing and breathing pattern disorders here in Christchurch. I’ve also done extra training in the Brad Cliff Breathing Method. Don’t take breathing for granted, it’s a big part of our body’s ability to relax, reset and get air into the lungs. It’s very important. Other great techniques that can help us to breathe well are mindfulness and yoga.
 

2020 Debra Parr Award recipient

Congratulations to nursing student Brittany Moir who has received this year’s ‘Debra Parr Award for Excellence’.
 

Established by Oxford Women’s Health, the award recognises the clinical and academic achievements of an Ara Bachelor of Nursing graduate. It is awarded annually in memory of Debra Parr, who was our Nursing Team Leader until February 2018.

Brittany, who has just completed her studies and graduates next year, was thrilled to hear about the award. “I am very thankful,” she says. “It’s a really nice thing to be able to finish off three years of enjoying your work and then receive an award for it. It’s great that it acknowledges Debra and everyone on the course as well.”

With a job already lined up at Christchurch Hospital in the New Year, Brittany can’t wait to get started. She says that the three years she spent studying nursing has reaffirmed that she’s made the right career choice.

“I was pretty sure I was going to be in the right place and as soon as I started 

Brittany Moir

doing the study and learning the science, I realised I love this,” she says.

“I’m a real people person and my biggest thing is being able to put a smile on someone’s face. Being able to care for and help people is so rewarding and it’s very special to be a part of a person’s journey and their families’ journey as well.”

Debra Parr was widely respected for her nursing expertise, high standards of patient care, and clinical acumen. She was a valued member of the Oxford Women’s Health team.

This is the second year the award has been presented to an Ara Bachelor of Nursing graduate.
 

Increasing need for Women’s Centre services

From Toni Lubbers, Women’s Centre Board Member

We would like to say a warm Merry Christmas and a bright 2021 to all Oxford Women’s Health staff and patients.
 

This year has been especially hard on women’s mental health and wellbeing, and we have seen a continuous rise in the need for the counselling and support services we offer. Looking ahead to 2021, we are focused on providing opportunities for women to experience connection and support. 

Our Term 1 courses and workshops are now open for registration and can be found on the Women’s Centre website and Facebook page. We so appreciate the support of Oxford Women’s Health for the work we do.

Donations to the Women’s Centre can also be made via our give-a-little page givealittle.co.nz/org/ womensc

“Nā tō rourou, nā taku rourou ka ora ai te iwi - With your food basket and my food basket the people will thrive”.
 

Merry Christmas!

Oxford Women’s Health will close for the Christmas break at 5pm on 22 December. We will be back to start the New Year at 8.30am on Wednesday 6 January.

For any urgent issues during the holiday period, please phone 03 379 0555. Your call will go through to an answering service. Alternatively, phone your General Practitioner for information and advice.

Wishing you and your families a wonderful Christmas and New Year!