My Experience: Two Surgeries, Two Outcomes
I started studying breath practices during COVID, little knowing how useful they would be when I needed surgery during that time. I had the same procedure twice within a month, giving me an unexpected opportunity to compare two different recovery experiences.
After the first surgery, I focused on general rest and healing without any structured breathing practices. It took me two weeks to comfortably walk for 30 minutes before getting out of breath. The recovery was slow, and I felt easily fatigued.
For the second surgery, I took a different approach. I committed to a practice of coherent breathing—breathing in and out at an even, relaxed rhythm—while incorporating visualisations to support my healing. The difference was remarkable. Just two days post-surgery, I felt well enough to embark on a three-hour walk, including hills, without feeling out of breath. My stamina, energy, and overall well-being improved dramatically compared to my first recovery.
What Made the Difference?
The key lay in coherent breathing, which helped regulate my nervous system, optimise gas exchange and oxygen delivery, and enhance my body’s natural healing response. Here’s how it worked:
-
Coherent Breathing
By maintaining a steady breathing rhythm of around five to six breaths per minute, I was able to activate the parasympathetic nervous system (the “rest and digest” mode). This reduced stress, inflammation, and tension, allowing my body to direct its energy toward recovery. -
Visualisations
Alongside coherent breathing, I used mental imagery to support my healing process. I visualised my breath and colours flowing freely through my body, my body moving with ease and my energy returning. This helped shift my mindset from passive recovery to active participation in my healing. -
Improved Gas Exchange, Oxygen and Blood Flow
Coherent breathing helped regulate carbon dioxide levels, ensuring optimal oxygen delivery to my tissues. This prevented post-surgery sluggishness and fatigue, keeping my energy levels high.
The Role of Functional Breathing
Coherent breathing is just one aspect of functional breathing, a broader approach to optimising breath efficiency for better health, movement, and recovery. As someone who has studied and is qualified to teach functional breathing, I incorporate a variety of breathwork techniques into both my therapies and movement coaching. Whether through breath coaching, bodywork, or guided movement, I help clients develop breathing patterns that support relaxation, energy, and overall well-being.
The Science Behind Coherent Breathing
Coherent breathing is a scientifically backed technique that balances the autonomic nervous system, improving heart rate variability (HRV) and enhancing resilience. It optimizes oxygen-carbon dioxide exchange, which supports cellular function, reduces inflammation, and promotes relaxation.
For post-surgery recovery, this practice helps by:
- Reducing pain and tension by calming the nervous system.
- Enhancing circulation and oxygenation for faster tissue healing.
- Improving energy levels by preventing inefficient breathing patterns.
- Supporting the diaphragm, which is crucial for posture, digestion, and movement.
How Coherent and Functional Breathing Can Help You
Breathwork isn’t just for post-surgery recovery—it’s a powerful tool for overall health. Whether you’re dealing with stress, fatigue, chronic pain, or simply looking to improve your breathing efficiency, these practices can help you:
✅ Improve energy and stamina
✅ Reduce stress and anxiety
✅ Enhance recovery from exertion or injury
✅ Improve focus and mental clarity
✅ Support movement and posture in daily life
Final Thoughts
My experience showed me just how powerful a simple breath practice can be. By committing to coherent breathing, I was able to recover in days instead of weeks, returning to movement and strength far faster than expected. Now, I integrate both coherent and functional breathing into my work, offering personalised guidance to help clients breathe better, move better, and feel better.
If you’re curious about how functional breathing techniques can support your health and movement, get in touch—I’d love to share more!
