Combat Breathing

[LEO4HIM]

In law enforcement something that is often talked about during critical incidents is Combat Breathing. This is when one inhales through the nose for a four count, holds for a four count, exhales through the mouth for a four count, and then again holds for a four count.

From the RMAX/Be Breathed perspective, is this something that is seen as scientifically based and beneficial? Do you see any dangers involved in the above application of breath?

Thanks!

[LEO4HIM]

Just last night I assisted with a warrant arrest. I was hiding in a laundry room of a hotel and was waiting for the bad guy to walk up to the front desk. While waiting, I noticed my heart rate going up so I started the Combat Breathing process. I think it helped, although It was somewhat difficult to inhale for the full four count. It seemed as though my "excitement" kept my breathing short and shallow. I really had to concentrate which makes me realize how hard it would be to do it in a truly critical incident like a shooting or before or after a physical altercation.

[Scott Sonnon]

Chad,

The research that I have read and performed demonstrated that the reason this "square breathing" (4/4/4/4) was deemed effective is because it was held in comparison against no breathing technique. In other words, it was not compared against other breathing patterns. In only one study did I ever find it compared to another breathing techniques, and that was in comparison against "power breathing" (breath holding) and "hypoxic breathing" (rapid inhalation) - which is basically a strawman, since both inhalation holding (power breathing) and rapid inhalation (hypoxic breathing) are not only tremendously ineffective for anxiety management, but they are both triggers for hyperventilation and increase the adverse pyschophysiological effects of combative stress.

True scientific research into anxiety management and breathing such as conducted by Dr. David H. Barlow in Anxiety and its Disorders, demonstrates that the relaxation trigger for avoiding the adverse psychophysical effects of combative stress is exhalation. That is why there is a small measure of success in the "square" breathing technique. However, because it is arbitrary on length (capacity varies from individual to individual), because it is cognitively based (must be 'counted' which counters external concentration) and because it focuses on lengthening and holding inhalation, it is highly inefficient when compared with CST's breath mastery methodology.

Not only can the same results be achieved through CST's "discipline breathing" (conscious exhalation, lengthening of the exhalation and lengthening of the control pause, with mechanical inhalation); But with short-term practice, the CST's "trinity" breathing practice actually produces much more significant results in hormonal control, physical accuracy and awareness (attentional strength and stamina.)

[Woody]

I've done quite a bit of reading on he Buteyko breathing method, where the main goal is to conserve CO2, which is done by taking slow, shallow breaths deep in the diaphram. I was wondering how the Be Breathed and RMAX approach to breathing is different. Is CST "disciplined breathing" and "trinity" breathing covered only in Be Breathed?

[Paul K]

Woody,
These may answer some questions:

Selective Tension Breathing Technique by Scott Sonnon http://www.circularstrengthmag.com/23/sonnon2.html and

The Trinity Breathing Exercise http://www.rmaxinternational.com/for...ead.php?t=1712 .

[Paul K]

Woody,

Two more to checkout:

Counter-Conditioning Dysfunctional Breathing Patterns http://www.rmaxinternational.com/for...hp?p=59#post59

Power without Performance - the Warhorse on Ice http://www.rmaxinternational.com/for...hlight=buteyko