Breathing Therapy

When breathing becomes a challenge, breathing therapy can provide a solution.

How We Breathe
Breathing supplies our body with the oxygen it needs to function. This is essential for the proper operation of our vital organs, such as the heart and brain (as well as all other organs and muscles). The respiratory center, located in the brainstem, sends and receives signals from the body, regulating both inhalation and exhalation. This ensures that breathing occurs naturally and automatically.

Inhalation and Exhalation
To begin inhaling, the respiratory center sends signals to the breathing muscles: the diaphragm and the intercostal muscles. These muscles contract, causing the lungs to expand and fill with air. Once the muscles relax, exhalation begins, and the lungs empty.

When Breathing Goes Wrong
At times, breathing can become dysfunctional—meaning it is simply “wrong.” This can manifest as hyperventilation, irregular breathing, frequent sighing, or shallow breathing. Dysfunctional breathing can lead to persistent and uncomfortable symptoms.

Causes of Dysfunctional Breathing
If you experience shortness of breath, chest tightness, hyperventilation, or rapid breathing even at rest, your natural breathing rhythm might be disturbed. This is known as dysregulated breathing. Stress and anxiety are common triggers for dysregulated breathing, as are chronic conditions such as asthma or COPD. Through specific breathing exercises and relaxation techniques, you can restore balance to your breathing pattern.

What Breathing Therapy Can Do for You
First, we conduct an intake session to understand not only your symptoms but also how they impact your everyday life. Following this, a physical examination is performed, in which we assess:

• Your breathing rate;
• Your breathing rhythm;
• The location of your breath within the body;
• Rib expansion;
• Your ability to consciously relax;
• Your posture;
• Muscle tension throughout your body;
• The mobility of your spine.

After discussing the findings with you, a personalized treatment plan is created.

Treatment Includes:

• Learning various breathing techniques such as abdominal and lateral breathing, or the Dixhoorn method;
• Teaching relaxation exercises (Jacobson or Mindfulness);
• Improving your posture;
• Reducing muscle tension;
• Enhancing the mobility of your spine and ribs;
• Creating a balanced daily routine with adequate rest and activity;
• Educating you on proper breathing techniques;
• Developing an increased awareness of your breath.

Coverage for Breathing Therapy in Amsterdam
Breathing therapy is reimbursed through supplementary insurance when it covers therapies like Cesar Therapy or physiotherapy. Both physical and mental well-being are essential, and prevention is always better than cure. That’s why we welcome you at Praktijk Brouwersgracht even if you don’t have any symptoms at all.

Book an appointment for Breathing Therapy in Amsterdam
We are here to guide and support you. For more information about our treatments, please feel free to get in touch with Wendy Brinkman. She will be happy to answer any questions you have regarding breathing therapy.