Probably one of the most common questions I get asked…… while there is lots of media attention to “breathwork”, that is a pretty broad category and Breathing Retraining is actually a specific “niche” part of the breathing space. Breathing Retraining is actually a formal, scientifically validated method that requires significant study and training. There has been extensive research into the field of Breathing Retraining and the science is very clear - breathing is the root cause of many modern health issues. A structured Breathing Retraining Program is a scientifically proven way to address anxiety, insomnia, snoring, hayfever, exercise intolerance to name a few! When the  READ MORE ABOUT THESE CONDITIONS HERE. 

What is Breathing Retraining?

Breathing Retraining is a very specific specialty in which the primary focus is to normalise every aspect of a person’s breathing pattern. The goal is to bring each of these key aspects back to the “ideal” zone, which has a significant cumulative effect on all of the physiological systems of the body. Ideal or perfect breathing, allows our body to operate with the correct 02 and CO2 levels in the lungs, (BLOG REFERENCE) blood and tissues. These levels will fluctuate as we perform different activities and great breathing allows us to continue to maintain this key relationship regardless of what we are doing.

The components of the breathing pattern that Breathing Retraining works on include:

• Rate, 
• Rhythm and 
• Volume of breathing.
• Route of breathing, 
• posture, and 
• diaphragm engagement

The initial stages of a Breathing Retraining program will identify which of these components need to be worked on, and an appropriate plan mapped out depending on the goals of the client. We always work on sedentary breathing initially and then as this is mastered, we will progress to restore ideal breathing during light and moderate activity, speech, exercise and sport. With the right strategies and some daily practice, healthy breathing becomes automatic and we actually “re-wire” our breathing centre.

What does a Breathing Retraining Program look like?

Coordinated by a trained professional, a  Breathing Retraining Program is a graduated approach to addressing the dysfunctional aspects of your breathing. Your trainer will complete a thorough assessment of your breathing and your medical history and then create a structured plan for making the changes you need to make. Changing habits takes commitment and persistence - small, consistent breathing sessions will be the most powerful way to make long-term changes to your breathing, and make your new breathing your new habit. A quality Breathing Retraining Program will be individualised to suit you and your needs as well as your lifestyle. The program will teach you how to incorporate your new skills into your daily routine. READ A CASE STUDY HERE

What training do you need to do to teach Breathing Retraining?

Qualified Breathing Retraining Instructors need to have completed some certification in The Buyteyko Breathing Method, or similar. The training is comprehensive and requires completion of knowledge tests and practical certification. Previous qualification and practice in the Health Science field (Physiotherapy, Exercise Physiology, Medicine etc) is not essential but advantageous. 

How did I get into Breathing Retraining?

With a keen interest in health and fitness as a teenager, and many hours at the Physio as a competitive, sporty young person, Physio was always on my radar as a career. I have been fortunate enough to combine my love of Physio, my love of travel and my love for regional Australia for more than 20 years! After a pause to my career while we had a family, I was looking for a new challenge and quite randomly, a search for a medication-free solution to my hayfever brought Breathing Retraining to my life. I literally changed my breathing and changed my life and a passion to do the same for others was ignited. I have trained in the Buteyko Breathing Method, and am also a certified Oxygen Advantage Instructor. This depth of training and knowledge allows me to bring a vast array of strategies to my programs and work well with people of all ages and life stages. There is no doubt that I still wear my Physio hat in my Breathing Retraining work, and the combination of the two disciplines is a great fit.

Who does Breathing Retraining work for?

The fundamental requirement for success of a Breathing Retraining Program is a commitment to practice - just a couple of 10min sessions each day is the key to changing your breathing habits and ensuring that your breathing baseline is completely reset. Like forming any new habit, perseverance through the initial stages is where the magic really happens. I find my clients fall into one of 2 main categories:

1. Those wishing to resolve a specific health complaint - hayfever, anxiety, insomnia / sleep disturbance, snoring / sleep apnoea, asthma etc READ SOME CASE STUDIES HERE
2. Those wishing to improve their mood, energy, focus, exercise endurance - people not necessarily needing to “fix” something, but searching for tools to help them live a better, more fulfilling life. READ SOME CASE STUDIES HERE

Understanding a client’s goals and lifestyle is a fundamental part of the program set up to ensure the practice, progression and end point are individually tailored. This again, is where Breathing Retraining really sits apart from lots of the “breathwork” approaches - it is not a 1 size fits all approach.

When the likes of Chris Martin (ColdPlay), Ash Barty, Roger Federer and Hugh Jackman credit Breathing Retraining Programs with their high performance and consistent success, it is no surprise that the world is keen to understand exactly what Breathing Retraining is!

If you would like to know more about applying this scientifically proven method to higher performance, better health and a quiet mind, I am ready to take your call today!.