Figure - available from: Mindfulness
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Slower breathing is associated with lower pain intensity. (A) Slower respiration rate during noxious heat stimulation is associated with lower pain intensity ratings, r = 0.26, p = 0.03. (B) Slower respiration rate during non-noxious heat stimulation is associated with lower pain intensity ratings, r = 0.28, p = 0.02
Source publication
Objectives
Breathing rate and pain are influenced by a spectrum of cognitive, affective, and physiological interactions. Yet, it is unknown if an individual’s resting breathing rate is associated with pain.
Methods
Continuous cerebral blood flow (CBF) and respiration rate were collected in 74 healthy participants during innocuous (35 °C) and noxio...
Citations
In the scientific literature on pain therapy, breathing is usually only discussed as a supportive element, rarely as an independent method of pain relief. However, where it has been investigated, there is evidence that breathing can have a positive influence on both pain sensitivity and pain assessment. In therapeutic application, the selection of the appropriate breathing technique in relation to pain is of great importance.
