Chronic stress leads many of us to live in a constant state of subtle hyperventilation. By learning to breathe more softly and slowly, you will learn to rebalance levels of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) and Nitric Oxide (NO) in the blood. This helps improve blood circulation and oxygen delivery to the whole body and brain. Clients experiencing Asthma, Long Covid, Anxiety, Hyperventilation Syndrome and Panic Disorder often find that learning to “breathe less’ can have profoundly beneficial effects on their wellbeing.

Restoration of diaphragmatic breathing further supports oxygen delivery in addition to reducing muscle tension, supporting functional movement and calming the nervous system. As clients learn to relax their secondary breathing muscles (chest, neck, shoulders, jaw), and engage their diaphragm and core muscles, they often report significant reductions in physical pain, a deeper sense of calm, and boosted energy levels.

Resonant (Coherent) Breathing happens when we reduce the respiratory rate to around 6 breaths per minute. This puts the body in a deeply calm and healing state which stimulates the vagus nerve and activates the Parasympathetic “Rest and Digest“ branch of the nervous system. Studies have also shown this can repair the nervous system by improving “Vagal Tone“ which can be support long-term healing for clients experiencing Stress, Anxiety, Panic Disorder, Long Covid and CFS/ME.

Breathing through the nose during the day and night is a foundational concept within Buteyko Breathing. The nose warms, filters and slows air down in preparation for entering the lungs, which significantly reduces inflammation (which is vital if you are asthmatic). Breathing nasally also reduces the volume of air taken into the body per breath which helps to maintain Carbon Dioxide (CO2) and Nitric Oxide (NO) levels in the body, resulting in more efficient oxygen delivery to the body and brain.

Breath holds are another key element in Buteyko Breathing. Breath holds are used to calm the nervous system, build CO2 tolerance and also to unblock the nose. Clients experiencing Asthma, Panic Disorder and Brainfog often find the “Many Small Breath Holds“ exercise helps to reduce their acute symptoms within minutes.

By learning to fully relax the muscles of their body, clients can connect with deep experiences of calm and relaxation. This helps to reduce muscle tension, repair the nervous system (via the Vagus nerve) and support restful nourishing sleep. Muscle relaxation also supports slow and subtle breathing and so is an essential element of Buteyko Breathwork.