Breathing Cycles
There is no “one” correct breathing cycle for all applications of apnea. The same
technique is not used for a static apnea where you remain motionless on the surface as is
used for a maximum depth dive or for the 50th dive of a day spent spearfishing. In each
of these applications the body is in a different internal balance (different O2 and CO2
levels, blood pressure, heart rate, etc.) due to previous actions leading up to that point.
Therefore the breathing cycle will be different for each. It will also be different because
each of the dives requires something different from the body for the required task. Using
diaphragmatic respiration to listen to your body's needs in combination with using it to
reach a complete state of relaxation is a key fundamental in all applications. The overall
focus here should be on diaphragmatic breathing.
For the purpose of this manual we will focus on learning the correct breathing cycle for
a standard dive to depth. In preparation for a single dive to depth (where there has been a
substantial surface interval between dives – for example, at least five minutes) the
correct breathing cycle begins with normal everyday breathing. This type of breathing
balances the O2 and CO2 levels in the bloodstream where the body operates most
efficiently. Your body has an amazing ability to take care of itself and bring itself into
balance with our normal respiration. As you become aware of your breath in this stage, a
conscious shift to diaphragmatic breathing should follow. This shift should focus on
using only the diaphragm with normal breathing inhalations, followed by slow, relaxed
exhalations. If at any point you feel dizzy or lightheaded this is a form of
hyperventilation and the breathing cycle should be slowed down.
Once you have been breathing for a few minutes using normal diaphragmatic respiration
and feel relaxed and comfortable, it's time to take the last couple breaths before the final
inhale. These last couple breaths, also know as purging breaths, are 2 to 3 full breaths to
help bring fresh air into the deep part of your lungs. This should not be confused with
hyperventilation which is an extended period of deep breathing that causes feeling
lightheaded or dizzy. Hyperventilation should be avoided, and you feel these symptoms
at any point during the breathing cycle further dive preparations should be aborted and
normal breathing should be resumed. The final exhale before the last breath should be a
full exhale using the diaphragm to expel as much air as possible. Doing this removes as
much stale air as possible and prepares the lungs for the final breath. The final breath
should be a fluid inhale that begins with dropping the diaphragm to pull air into the
lower region of the lungs. As this becomes full this feeling of fullness should move up