APA Dictionary of Psychology

an approach to breathing that focuses on inhaling and exhaling nasally and on using the diaphragm to breathe slowly and deeply; it also includes relaxation exercises. Research suggests that it may help people with mild to moderate asthma by alleviating their symptoms rather than by treating the underlying condition. The ultimate goal is to enable the person with asthma to control breathing during different activities, including exercise. This method has also been associated with a decrease in depression and anxiety. [developed in the 1960s at Papworth Hospital, Cambridge, England]