Contemporary lung volume measurements are inconsistent and guided by cross-sectional criteria instead of longitudinal and, therefore, do not predict decline within individuals. A 1997 research paper points out that "from one low measurement of FEV1 (Forced Exhalation Volume) in an adult, it is impossible to determine whether the reduced lung function is due to not having achieved a high maximum during early adulthood, or to having an accelerated rate of decline or to any combination of these." It is essential that the reference equations chosen for the diagnosis should be appropriate for the person under investigation.

This lack of insight into optimal functioning can throw off the sense of severity and invite excessive or inadequate drugs and interventions. As breath is life, this prejudice also distorts human potential as some people may be more or less breathing-challenged than others and be perceived as equal or, worse yet, unequal. They will not receive adequate direction to offset their lack of "breathe-ability".

People come to us constantly with multiple or contradictory diagnoses. The good news is that we do not treat illness. We just help people breathe better. High blood pressure, spasmodic dysphonia, laryngitis, stuttering, asthma, pneumonia, emphysema, stage fright, anxiety, and a VERY LONG list of carefully documented maladies have one thing in common – poor breathing.

We have been quantifying breathing. What does it look like, sound like, feel like? The statistics from the OptimalBreathing.com Free Breathing Tests page are beginning to paint a picture of relationships between our Optimal Breathing criteria and various stages of breathing capability and their relation to states of health, well-being and longevity. 

We are also using these test answers to guide people in various directions that we feel will help them breathe easier, stronger, deeper and smoother with increased breathing volume and vitality. If they have an illness, we are suggesting certain exercises, techniques or information that might help their breathing and thus positively affect their condition.

Empowerment, mental clarity, and inner strength are included so we do not dwell on illness and weakness but rather head toward optimal function on all levels. This is longitudinal and takes the individual’s situation into account at every moment of every breath.

What are YOUR strengths and weaknesses related to breathing? 

How do we assess them? 

How do we recommend solutions? 

How do we track progress? 

Solutions of breathing require repetition, just like breathing requires repetition. Practice makes permanent, not perfect. What EXACTLY needs to be done to make a lasting positive change? Progress is very individual but there ARE generics. The wrong techniques or exercise can delay or reverse progress in health and longevity. The bad news is that there are copious "experts” out there taking our money that haven’t a clue what healthy breathing is.

So take the tests, buy the Optimal Breathing Mastery Kit, do the exercises, and share with the world what you know to be true. To quote Dr. Sheldon Hendler, MD, PhD: 

"Breathing is the FIRST place, not the last, that one should address when any sign of disordered energy presents itself."

A few words from a recent client:

“I've understood the value of "real normal breathing" to the quality of life, growth and evolvement. And I believe as you, that most of the so called diseases that we see today could be improved, or just fade away gracefully by taking in life's breath the way nature intended. If you look at our society, and the changes, along came many new symptoms in humans and animals with these changes. As far as I see it, the self-creation of complicated life styles, the illusion of what most think is a better life, which includes believing that one needs more & more to be "happy" and to even survive, creates confusion within and all kinds of breathing deformities. And I could go on......”