Workshops & Events

Explore the surprising truth about breath holding – it’s not just about oxygen and CO2, but a window into your body’s complex respiratory control mechanisms.

Recording of Rosalba’s webinar now available!

While breath holding time, including such techniques as the Buteyko Control Pause and the Oxygen Advantage BOLT score, are common assessment tools in breathing retraining, their interpretation is far more nuanced than many practitioners suggest.

At first glance, it might seem like a straightforward measure of CO2 and oxygen levels, but the reality is considerably more complex. The duration of breath holding isn’t simply a direct indicator of blood gas concentrations or even of lung volume.

Instead, it reflects a sophisticated interplay of physiological and psychological factors, including:

• CO2 tolerance thresholds
• Neuromuscular feedback from the chest wall and diaphragm
• Central respiratory rhythm
• Individual training adaptations
• Psychological state, cognition and stress response
• Metabolic factors

This comprehensive webinar delves into the complex interplay of physiological, neuromuscular, and psychological factors that influence our ability to hold our breath. Whether you’re a healthcare professional, athlete, or simply curious about the science of breathing, this course will provide you with:

• Cutting-edge insights into the mechanisms behind breath holding
• Practical assessment techniques used in Integrative Breathing Therapy
• Understanding of how breath holding relates to respiratory control and dysfunction

Join us to explore the depths of respiratory science and unlock the potential of your breath!

Rough Outline:

1. Introduction to Breath Holding
   • Historical perspective
   • Relevance in modern health and performance contexts
2. The Physiology of Breath Holding
   • Stages of breath holding
   • Role of oxygen and carbon dioxide
   • Neuromuscular feedback mechanisms
3. Factors Influencing Breath Holding Time
   • Lung volume and pulmonary stretch receptors
   • Diaphragm afferents
   • Psychological and cognitive factors
   • Metabolic rate and mitochondrial function
4. Assessment Techniques in Integrative Breathing Therapy
   • Different types of breath holding tests
   • Initiating the breath hold: TLC vs. FRC approaches
   • Breaking points of breath holding: BHT-DD, BHT-IRM, BHT-Max
5. Clinical Applications
   • Screening for chronic hyperventilation and dysfunctional breathing
   • Assessing susceptibility to breathlessness
   • Implications for sleep apnea and respiratory control stability
6. Q&A Sessio

Join Rosalba on this recorded webinar as she covers Breath Holds in depth!

Cost – US$20