Where and why The Breath Lab began.
The Breath Lab was founded in 2021, amongst the carnage of COVID-19 - seeing more people than ever struggling with stress, anxiety and general wellbeing. People lacked the tools to help themselves and were additionally losing access to resources like exercise, therapists or even just meeting up with friends.
The issue was no longer just professionals on the cusp of burnout. Nor was it the low-level anxiety or concentration issues experienced A-Level students trying to balance studying with life.
Millions of people suddenly found themselves feeling not quite right.
On top of that, more research was being done into the importance of nasal breathing in lowering the risk of catching the virus and proper diaphragmatic breathing in the recovery from it, as well as how nitric oxide showed promise as an antiviral treatment.
It was the perfect time to explore science-based techniques that could help myself and those around me.
The Breath Lab techniques are based on the Buteyko method of breathwork. Originally developed in the 1950s by Dr. Konstantin Buteyko, a Russian doctor, it has evolved over the years and shares core elements with adjacent practices and concepts. Buteyko is now adopted by teachers, practitioners, doctors, physios and personal trainers around the world.
Why the uptake and interest in restoring functional breathing patterns?
Due to changes in our lifestyles and environments over the years, we have developed unhealthy breathing habits. Essentially, we are breathing too much, and over-breathing is as detrimental to us as overeating.
Chronic hyperventilation (aka sustained over-breathing) causes changes in our blood chemistry and metabolism that can lead to unpleasant symptoms and illnesses. Implementing a specific programme of breathing exercises, with a handful of quick and easy lifestyle changes, can restore functional breathing, boost CO2 tolerance and improve health.
My introduction to Buteyko breathing was originally in New Zealand, but I was trained by Patrick Mckeown and Mim Beim in Sydney on an intensive in-person course, passing my exam and case study work soon after.
As well as being an approved practitioner, I am also a member of Buteyko Clinic International Instructors and Buteyko Practitioners Australia New Zealand.