Deep Breathing in Medicine: Historical Perspective

Document Type : Book Review

Authors

1 Pediatric Nursing, University of Baghdad, Iraq

2 Assistant Professor, Pediatric Nursing, University of Baghdad, Iraq

Abstract

Breathing, which entails continuous expansion, contraction, and change, is central to human life. Breathing can interact with other body systems to create positive change, allowing us to influence physiological functions that are typically limited by the body’s direct command. Breathing can be used to intentionally affect the sympathetic nervous system, which regulates blood pressure, heart rate, circulation, and other physiological functions. Deep breathing still requires historical explanation despite its extensive background. To demonstrate the chronology of the development of this significant technique that enhances the comfort and functionality of the body’s organs, this study documents the history of the deep breathing technique in medicine, including its origins and continuation across civilizations and empires over thousands of years. This study aims to fill the knowledge gap regarding the evolution of deep breathing over time. This study cites numerous publications and studies on breathing and related exercises to show how deep breathing and its exercises have been used throughout history until today.

Highlights

Mohammed Salih Ibreesam (Google Scholar) 
Adraa Hussein Shawq (Google Scholar) 

Keywords

References

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Journal of Research on History of Medicine
Volume 15, Issue 3
August 2026
Pages 285-292

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