The modern high-tech supported health system is divided into numerous narrow specialized fields. Within the limits of each field diagnosis and treatment are super- efficient.
However, patients, who are affected either by several different ailments categorized under different fields, or by ailments not covered by a known field, have difficulty in judging whether or not the treatments they are offered within a single field are appropriate and sufficient, or if they neutralize or oppose each other.
Breath training is a recognized form of therapy aimed basically towards health and well-being.
Respiration is the process of replacing air in the lungs and helps both body and soul. The body absorbs oxygen better from the air increasing the possibility of releasing excess carbon dioxide.
Anyone can use breath training, from elite athletes to people with impairments or trauma.
The training is without risk and without side effects.
Inspiration for The Huff and Puff Club breath training comes from the book
“Breatheology the art of conscious breathing”
by Stig Avall Severinsen, see here
Stig Severinsen has a Ph.D. in medicine and is five-time world champion in free-diving. Springtime 2012 he participated in launching The Huff and Puff Club for people with post-polio.
Jørn Nørtoft-Price (owner of Copenhagen Yoga) is coach of The Huff and Puff Club.
Since springtime 2012 he has within approximately 900 hours of training sessions developed a training concept designed specially adapted for people with post-polio.
The training is divided into two stages. First stage is training on land, which prepares the body and breath for the more demanding second stage of underwater training.
Training on land
The training consists of a series of breathing exercises inspired by Hata Yoga. Choice of exercises for the individual training day is planned by the coach, but the intensity and order are adjusted by the needs and abilities of each participant.
During these years several series of exercises have been developed, i.e. stimulation for early day use and relaxation for use at the end of the day. The effect of individual exercises and series differs for each participant and may vary over time.
Examples of exercise series here
Training in hot water pool
Hot water helps immensely on sore and stiff muscles. From the experiences of weightlessness in water, the body’s mobility becomes greater and enables movements, which due to paralysis would not be possible on land.
People, who are daily burdened by disabilities and helping aids, are able to move much more freely and spontaneously.
The instinct to play is aroused.
But most importantly, that which gives the greatest effect is the long breath-hold during dives lasting as long as 2-3 minutes. In these dives the blood is oxygenated flowing out into every single muscle fibre.
Stig Avall Severinsen writes in his book about diving and breath-holding under water:
“The physical changes which occur during a dive, such as the heart beating slower and the blood flowing differently, can to some extent be described scientifically, yet the feelings and sensations flowing through the body, while holding the breath under water, have to be experienced in order to understand them. As in yoga, experiences of a more mental and spiritual nature cannot be intellectualized. It cannot be understood by reading about it – you simply have to jump into the tube yourself.”
All participants – also those who have never in their life had their head under water – learn very quickly how to dive for at least one minute.
