Respiratory Therapy: Methods and Variants

Below we present several methods and variants that can be used in respiratory therapy.

Methods of respiratory therapy

Eutony according to Gerda Alexander: This method works with the unconsciously running breath of the client. In the process, patterns of movement and behavior are said to change for the better as self-awareness and body sensitivity improve through therapy.

Breath, voice and speech education according to Schlaffhorst and Andersen: Here the breath is the link between the vegetative and somatic levels of the person. The aim of the therapy is to improve breathing, voice and movement.

Breath and body therapy according to Graf Dürckheim: The patient is asked to face his behavioral patterns and fears, thus enabling a new start. The body as a “soulful body”, which forms a unity with the psyche, is to be experienced in this way.

Breathwork according to Cornelis Veening: This breathing therapy is based on the psychology of C.G. Jung. A path from “inside to outside” is to be offered via a physical-mental development, so that “the human being becomes what he is supposed to be”.

Holotropic Breathing according to Stanislav Grof: The deliberately used breath, i.e. the deepened breathing up to hyperventilation, is supposed to create a connection to the “inner healer”, to the “higher self”.

Experiential Breath according to Ilse Middendorf: Work is done with the so-called “permitted breath” and with the experience that there is a mutual interaction between “breath, collection and sensation” which, with a simultaneous balance between “surrender and mindfulness”, enables a conscious development of all levels.

Integrative Breathing: The breath is used as a way to connect body, soul and spirit. Elements of different breathing schools are adapted to the individual problem situation of the patient. Other psychotherapeutic methods are also combined with the breathing experience.

Qigong: Qigong (qi = breath, gong = acquiring skills) comes from traditional Chinese medicine. The aim is to harmonize breath, mind and body.

Pranayama: As a component of yoga, pranayama is one of the oldest breathing therapies.