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Healing with the Breath: Functional Breathing Retraining program


This program will be offered throughout the year. Next course starting Tue 31 Jan 6pm, and pre-assessment sessions open in Nov & Dec 2022, and Jan 2023.

Breathing can become disturbed or dysfunctional due to specific health issues such as asthma, anxiety, chronic sinusitis, chronic pain, panic disorder, long COVID or in general when there is dysregulation or overload from physical or psychological stressors.

Breathing directly and indirectly influences the functioning of many body systems. When breathing is dysfunctional it can lead to breathing difficulties and a range of respiratory and non- respiratory symptoms. These symptoms and breathing difficulties may not respond adequately to treatment until dysfunctional breathing is addressed.

Functional breathing retraining (FBR) provides a number of tools for self-regulation and aims to improve aspects of the functioning of mind and body that have been disrupted by dysfunctional breathing. It can be used in conjunction with other therapies and treatments supporting their therapeutic effects thus assisting the body’s ability to heal.


What is Functional Breathing Retraining Program


This is a comprehensive 8 week program that provides a structured and individualised approach to better breathing.

It combines breath work and relaxation techniques with movement and mind body practices to address biochemical, neuromuscular and mind-body dimensions of breathing.

The program has been developed by Dr. Rosalba Courtney DO, PhD and is based on her PhD and subsequent research. Functional breathing retraining aims to:

  • Reconnect to and improve nasal breathing
  • Increase upper airway function
  • Improve efficiency of diaphragm and respiratory muscle function
  • Correct hyperventilation (regulates oxygen and carbon dioxide levels)
  • Correct hyperinflation or breath stacking
  • Relax the hyper-aroused nervous system and improve vagal tone
  • Improve efficiency of cardio respiratory interaction
  • Reduce breathlessness including feelings of insufficient or unsatisfied respiration


Who is this for


This program is suitable for anyone who wants to improve their breathing or learn the skills of how to improve mental and physical functioning using the breath as the foundation for physical or psychological self-regulation.

It is also suitable for patients with dysfunctional breathing due to long COVID, autonomic dysfunction, sleep disordered breathing, asthma, COPD, anxiety, stress and panic disorder.

It takes regular and consistent practice with the FBR techniques over weeks to correct dysfunctional breathing.


Program Structure


This program has several components:

  1. Private pre and post course assessment
  2. Six 90 min group education and practical sessions (6-7:30pm Tuesdays: 31stJanuary, 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th February and 7th March)
  3. Six private weekly coaching call

Week 1 - Pre assessment (Private session with Dr. Courtney)

Week 2 - Nasal and upper airway rehabilitation Part 1 (online group sessions and private weekly coaching call)

Week 3 - Nasal and upper airway rehabilitation Part 2 (online group sessions and private weekly coaching call)

Week 4 - Diaphragm and Breathing Pattern Training (online group sessions and private weekly coaching call)

Break

Week 5 - Targeting the chemistry of breathing (CO2 and pH) (online group sessions and private weekly coaching call)

Week 6 - Targeting the brain, vagus and autonomic nervous system Part 1 - Bottom Up regulation (online group sessions and private weekly coaching call)

Week 7 - Targeting the brain, vagus and autonomic nervous system Part 2 - Top down regulation (online group sessions and private weekly coaching call)

Week 8 - Follow up assessment (Private session with Dr. Courtney)

This program will continue to be offered throughout the year.

Cost


Pre-assessment - $217 for one hour initial consultation with Dr Courtney

Program and re-assessment cost - $650 ( 6 x 90 min classes, 6 x 15 min coaching, 30-60 min follow up assessment, all course materials)

Bookings


Pre-assessment 1 hour consultation booking at GenBiome, Edgecliff: PRE-ASSESSMENT IN EDGECLIFF

Pre-assessment 1 hour consultation booking at Breath and Body clinic, Avalon: PRE-ASSESSMENT in AVALLON

Functional Breathing Retraining Course booking: JANUARY 23 course booking