At CS Mind and Body, we offer Breathing Sessions based on the Oxygen Advantage® method, which is centred around nasal breathing and the optimal use of the diaphragm. As a certified Oxygen Advantage Functional Breathing Instructor, I guide you through techniques that focus on down-regulation, moving you out of the sympathetic (fight-or-flight) state and into the parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) state, where your body can heal, recover, and perform at its best.
Whether you want to enhance athletic performance, manage stress, or simply experience a deeper sense of calm, our breathing sessions are designed to meet your needs. We also offer these sessions in a variety of settings—at your home, in a studio, or even outdoors at the beach or sand dunes—creating an immersive experience that helps you reconnect with your body and breath.
What is Oxygen Advantage® Breathing
The Oxygen Advantage® method is a scientifically-backed approach to breathing that uses nasal breathing and encourages diaphragmatic breathing (breathing with your diaphragm). This method teaches you how to breathe more effectively, increasing oxygen efficiency and promoting overall wellness.
By focusing on breathing techniques that reduce stress and encourage relaxation, the Oxygen Advantage® method supports:
- Improved oxygen delivery to the body and brain.
- Increased breath hold time for athletes, particularly those in endurance sports like surfing.
- Better regulation of the nervous system, transitioning from the sympathetic (fight-or-flight) response to the parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) state, where your body can recover and repair.
In our sessions we will focus on:
- Nasal breathing to filter, warm, and humidify the air, improving oxygen absorption and relaxation.
- Diaphragmatic breathing, using your diaphragm for deeper, more efficient breaths.
- Techniques to help manage stress and anxiety by shifting out of the sympathetic state and into the parasympathetic state.
Benefits of Breathing Sessions
Mastering your breath can lead to numerous physical and mental benefits, including:
- Stress and anxiety reduction: By using breathing techniques that activate the parasympathetic nervous system, you can shift out of the fight-or-flight (sympathetic) response and reduce stress.
- Enhanced athletic performance: Breathing techniques can help athletes improve endurance, manage breath holds, and control exertion during sports activities.
- Improved recovery: Oxygenate muscles and tissues more effectively, speeding up recovery and reducing fatigue.
- Better sleep quality: Reduce anxiety and calm the nervous system for better, more restful sleep.
- Increased focus and mental clarity: Use breath control to improve concentration and clarity in both work and personal life.
- Asthma relief: Breathing exercises can help individuals suffering from asthma by improving lung function, enhancing oxygen efficiency, and potentially reducing the frequency and severity of asthma attacks.
What to Expect During Your Breathing Session
Each breathing session is personalised to meet your specific needs and goals. Whether you’re an athlete looking to improve your performance, someone managing stress, or a beginner wanting to learn how to use your breath for overall well-being, we will tailor the session to your level and desired outcome.
During your session, we will:
- Start with simple exercises, moving at a pace that feels comfortable to you. The goal is to build confidence and gradually introduce more complex techniques if you feel ready.
- Focus on nasal breathing and diaphragmatic breathing, starting with foundational exercises and progressing only when you’re comfortable.
- Teach you techniques to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, helping you shift from a state of tension to a more relaxed, calm state.
- Introduce breath-hold training, particularly useful for athletes like surfers, helping you increase your breath hold capacity.
- Choose the best setting for your session, whether it’s in a studio, at your home, or outdoors in a natural environment like the beach or sand dunes.
Who Can Benefit from Breathing Sessions?
Breathing sessions can benefit anyone looking to improve their overall health, athletic performance, and mental clarity. Specifically, these sessions are perfect for:
- Athletes looking to improve performance, increase breath hold time, and enhance endurance (especially beneficial for surfers and endurance sports).
- People dealing with stress or anxiety and looking for a natural, effective way to manage their nervous system.
- Beginners interested in learning about the power of breath to help them relax, focus, or recover.
- Anyone seeking better sleep and overall relaxation.
Courses & One-Off Sessions
- One-Off Sessions: Ideal for those looking to experience the benefits of breathing exercises in a short amount of time. This is a great option if you need a quick reset, want to improve relaxation, or simply want to try it out before committing to a longer course.
- Courses: For those looking to dive deeper, we offer structured courses designed to progressively teach you more advanced techniques. These courses are tailored to help you incorporate proper breathing into your daily life, sports activities, and stress management practices.
