Effects of Diaphragmatic Breathing on Health: A Narrative Review

This narrative review highlights diaphragmatic breathing's (DB) potential to improve health by modulating the autonomic nervous system. Studies suggest DB can reduce stress, improve respiratory function, enhance quality of life for conditions like asthma, COPD, and GERD, and alleviate symptoms of anxiety and migraines. However, research quality varies, and findings remain inconsistent for certain diseases. DB promotes relaxation, better oxygenation, and stress resilience, offering a low-cost, non-invasive approach for enhancing mental and physical health, particularly stress-management.

Practicing diaphragmatic breathing for 5–10 minutes daily can help reduce stress, improve breathing efficiency, and enhance relaxation. While it shows promise for managing stress-related conditions, benefits depend on consistent practice and proper technique. Given the variability in study quality, DB should complement, not replace, other treatments. Seek professional guidance initially to maximize results and tailor the practice to individual needs.