Breathwork Assessments & Breathing Retraining

If you experience any of these symptoms; the cause could be your breathing pattern


  • Feeling short of breath
  • Breathing feels restricted
  • Cannot take a deep enough breath
  • Chest pain
  • Palpitations
  • Tingling in hands/ feet / nose
  • Generalised aches and pains
  • Light-headedness
  • Dizziness
  • Headaches
  • Fatigue
  • Brain fog
  • Frequent yawning and sighing

What is a Breathing Pattern Disorder

While Breathing Pattern Disorders (“BPD”) can occur in individuals with underlying respiratory conditions like asthma or COPD, they are also seen in otherwise healthy individuals, often triggered by stress, chronic pain, or poor posture.

BPDs are characterised by abnormal respiratory patterns that can disrupt normal gas exchange and lead to a range of physical and psychological symptoms. These disorders are often associated with hyperventilation, shallow breathing, or erratic breathing rhythms, which can cause an imbalance in carbon dioxide levels in the body.

The dysfunction arises from a disruption in the normal coordination of the respiratory muscles and altered neural control of breathing, leading to inefficient ventilation and increased work of breathing. This can lead to symptoms affecting the entire body and brain which impact on daily quality of life.

What happens during a Breathwork Assessment

A Breathwork Assessment is a one-hour appointment where you will have the opportunity to discuss your history and symptoms in detail with Carla, followed by close in person observation and in-depth analysis of your current breathing pattern.

With Carla’s guidance you will gain insights and understand the physiological reasons why breathing can be the cause of (sometimes unexpected) symptoms.

During the assessment you will receive advice and techniques to improve your breathing (called Breathing Retraining) to alleviate symptoms and provide a long-term strategy tailored to your specific needs.

Carla Thomson explaining what happens during a Breathwork Assessment

Breathing Retraining Explained

Breathing Retraining focuses on restoring normal, efficient breathing patterns through targeted interventions and your progress can be monitored by repeat observations.

These techniques aim to normalise the respiratory rate, improve diaphragmatic function, and correct hyperventilation or other abnormal patterns. Breathing Retraining emphasises reducing the frequency and depth of breaths to regulate carbon dioxide levels, which can help alleviate symptoms caused by hypocapnia (low CO2).

Diaphragmatic breathing exercises, slow breathing techniques, and biofeedback are commonly used methods. Studies have shown that these interventions can improve lung function, reduce breathlessness, and enhance quality of life in patients with breathing pattern disorders. Breathing retraining also has a growing evidence base in managing anxiety-related hyperventilation, highlighting the mind-body connection in respiratory health.

You can book a Breathwork Assessment using the Book Now button below or by contacting us here at the clinic. If you have any questions please get in touch and our team will be happy to help.

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