While it is true that the physiology of breathing is complex and extensive, the process of getting those gases from the environment to the cellular level of the body can be observed and understood by the general, non-medical population. Understanding the mechanics of breathing can facilitate the doing of breathing exercises for general relaxation, pain management, general health promotion and the increase of energy.
Two very simple concepts comprise the act of breathing as defined above. They are:
- ventilation, or bringing oxygen into the lungs
- circulation, or transporting the oxygen all over the body, to where it is needed.
