Breathe Right = Better Life
FAQ’S
What does dysfunctional breathing look like?
There is no precise definition of dysfunctional breathing patterns, but it generally includes any disturbance to breathing, including hyperventilation or over-breathing, unexplained breathlessness, and/or irregularity of breathing. It will most likely include some of the following.
Breathing through the mouth. The mouth is for eating, drinking and talking. The nose is for breathing.
Pain in neck and shoulders.
Faster or harder breathing. Can hear your breathing?
Upper chest breathing. Stimulates stress response.
Irregular breathing or breath holding.
Frequent sighing, sniffing or yawning.
Air Hunger or shortness of breath.
Taking in big breaths, especially when talking.
Paradoxical breathing. Using your diaphragm wrong.
What are some things that contribute to dysfunctional breathing?
Anxiety, ongoing stress, trauma.
Poor facial development in children, small nose and high narrow palate.
Deviated septum, enlarged adenoids or tonsils.
Lack of physical exercise.
Excessive talking or coughing.
Overeating or processed foods.
Asthma, allergies or rhinitis.
A belief that breathing more air is beneficial.
Stuffy, hot houses with no air flow.
Genetics or family habits.
Hormonal changes.
What are the negative effects of over breathing?
High blood pressure.
Inflammation and disease.
Sleep problems.
Constant stress state.
Reduced oxygenation of working muscles and organs, including the heart and brain.
What does breathing re-education target?
reprogramming your breathing centre in the brain and establishing new neurological patterns.
Implementing full time nasal breathing during wakefulness and sleep.
Reducing air volume to help regulate levels of CO2.
Correcting the resting posture of the tongue.
Slowing the respiratory rate.
Using the controlled pause or bolt score to establish chemosensitivity to carbon dioxide.
Restoring diaphragm function and the lateral expansion of the lower ribs.
What’s the big issue with mouth breathing?
Mouth breathing can contribute to poor health outcomes and fatigue. This may include snoring, restless sleep, poor concentration, daytime fatigue, bad breath, gum disease, dental cavities, poor posture, increased risks of coughs and colds, and reduced athletic performance.
What functions does the nose perform?
Warms and moistens air.
Helps regulate breathing volume.
Filters and cleans air particles before entering lungs.
Supports better activation of diaphragm.
Increases CO2 in blood during exercise.
Releases more nitic oxide.
Improves relaxation response.
What does breathing kinetics mean?
The term kinetics stems from the Greek work kinetikos, meaning to "put in motion or to move". It is the branch of science that deals with the effects of forces upon changes in a physical or chemical system (Our body). This represents the physical mechanisms (biomechanics) used for functional breathing, that include the nose and diaphragm to maximise breathing efficiency. It also incorporates the Biochemistry concerned with measuring and studying the rates of biochemical reactions. This represents the chemical components of functional breathing that include nitric oxide and carbon dioxide to optimize gas exchange.
I’ve tried meditation and it didn’t work for me. What’s different about functional breathing?
By taking over our breathing we can influence our body’s physiology and regulate the autonomic nervous system. So, by slowing our breathing rate, taking in less air and using our diaphragm we activate our parasympathetic nervous system, stimulating our relaxation response. With practice the mind will follow the body.
What do you mean by science-based practices?
The breathing practices taught are supported by scientific studies to prove and demonstrate that by choosing to consciously alter your breathing patterns, you can change your bodies physiology. This in turn can have a positive effect on numerous mental and physical issues that affect the mind and body. Want to know more:
How long will it take to feel better?
You should generally see and feel a reduction of symptoms and improvement in energy levels after a couple of weeks, providing you are implementing the exercises daily. However long-term health issues may take weeks to months with gradual improvements. You can monitor your progress by measuring the controlled pause or bolt score, which indicates your degree of breathlessness and chemosensitivity to CO2.
How many times will I need to see you?
I would suggest a minimum of 3 appointments to perfect techniques and ensure proper biomechanical application. My goal is to give you the tools to use for daily functional breathing and then you pursue on your own. Initial assessment is to introduce you to the science and philosophies of functional breathing and establish initial interventions. Second and third appointments are to check in with your progress, coach refinement of techniques for optimum benefit and introduce more breathing practices. Additional sessions are only suggested if you need ongoing support, and this will be at your leisure.