No special equipment needed, just an open mind and a desire to breathe better. Read on to understand about the Oxygen Advantage method of breathing.
These initial tips won’t change your life but will help you think about how you breathe in a whole new way. And how you breathe affects both your mental and physical wellbeing.
How do I know about the Oxygen Advantage way of breathing
I undertook a rigorous in person course with Patrick McKeowan the founder of the programme when he visited Dubai.
After the course I successfully passed an exam testing my knowledge. Then I submitted a number of case studies based on working with people of all ages and fitness levels in Dubai.
Then I undertook a follow up masterclass.
I am now qualified as an Oxygen Advantage instructor. The link to my profile is here.
I am a hugely skeptical person and question everything, but this method of breathing has helped me and those who I taught it to. I want to share this tool with others in a wider context now.
How has this method of breathing helped me
It helps me calm down and stop my mind from racing. It helps me relax a bit when I wake up in the middle of the night and worry about not being able to get back to sleep.
When something goes wrong that I have no control over, I now have a go to technique to use that helps put things in perspective. I don’t need to be in a quiet place or meditate to breathe in this way.
What is the Oxygen Advantage method of breathing
This method of breathing focuses on Functional Breathing. Are you breathing as optimally as you can given your set of circumstances and current health?
That means while you’re exercising, while you’re happy, while you’re stressed?
The essence of what’s involved is below, but there’s obviously a lot more to the this method of breathing than I can share in this article.
You need to be taught how to do this over a period of time with a qualified instructor that’s someone you can relate to.
It’s not difficult though and everyone can start to learn and see improvement with practice and commitment.
The concept focuses on breathing ONLY THROUGH YOUR NOSE most of the time.
Consciously INCORPORATING YOUR LOWER RIBS while inhaling and exhaling
Controlling the NUMBER OF BREATHS inhaled and exhaled per minute.
and incorporating BREATH HOLDING exercises.
How would all the above help anyone breathe better
In summary taking longer, deeper, fewer breaths mainly through your nose on a regular basis is what the overall aim of the teaching is about. When that’s achieved you’ll notice the following:
You’ll use your lower ribs and chest to breathe much more than your upper chest, thus utilizing much more of your lung capacity. No one will notice your chest moving up and down when you breathe.
Your breathing will be noticeably “quieter”
You’ll naturally breathe mainly through your nose very easily and BOTH your nostrils will be open most of the time.
Your stamina/endurance for exercise be it walking or HIIT classes or anything in between will increase. That means you’ll exercise more easily and be encouraged to continue.
Eventually your parasympathetic nervous system will kick in. That’s the beginning of you being able to calm your mind down more easily and you should be able to sleep better too.
If you want to practice this technique for yourself then contact me here for classes in person or online
Use the CONTACT FORM BELOW if you’re interested to know more or do a workshop explaining the fundamentals of this breathing technique and we’ll be in touch.
Your experience and learning is very dependent on your teacher
Ensure you get a good teacher you can relate to so you benefit as fully as possible.
See this book by James Nestor on Breath for further reading.
You may want to listen to this podcast on YIN YOGA here.
Yin Yoga is a great way of also getting your parasympathetic nervous system to kick in.
Whatever you do, use the methods as tools to help you and always chat to friends and family about what you’re trying and how it impacts you.
And if you feel the need to explore a retreat to take a calming break then consider going to ATMANTAN a gorgeous wellness resort, just a short direct flight to Pune from Dubai.
Some people also say taking magnesium also helps to keep them calm. Don’t take any supplement without checking with your medical professional first. Do please share this article with anyone you think would benefit.
Thank you.
