In progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) and autogenics, diaphragmatic breathing is utilized, where deep inhalations are made using the diaphragm. This encourages full lung expansion and supports a stress-reducing, relaxed state, contrasting with forced breathing used during vigorous activities.
The type of breathing used in progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) and autogenics typically involves diaphragmatic breathing, which is a deep breathing technique. This method requires the diaphragm to contract during inhalation which allows the lungs to expand fully and promotes a more relaxed state.
Since both PMR and autogenics focus on reducing stress and tension, maintaining a pattern of slow, deep breaths helps in achieving a relaxed body and mind. This is in contrast to forced breathing or hyperpnea, which involves active muscle contraction for both inhalation and exhalation and is common during exercise or deliberate actions like singing.
In conclusion, diaphragmatic breathing's calming effect is leveraged in PMR and autogenics to induce relaxation and reduce stress. This technique contrasts with dynamic activities requiring forced breathing, which demands more muscular effort and is not conducive to relaxation practices.