Breathwork: A Healing Journey Through Menopause

Functional breathing practices, including the Buteyko method, focus on correcting breathing habits to optimise oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the body. This approach is particularly beneficial for managing stress and regulating emotions—common challenges during menopause.

Stress Reduction

Menopause can heighten stress levels, partly due to hormonal fluctuations. Functional breathing techniques encourage slow, deep, nasal breathing, which activates the parasympathetic nervous system—the body's natural calming mechanism. This shift reduces stress levels, promoting a sense of peace and relaxation.

Regulating Emotions

Hormonal changes during menopause can lead to emotional instability. By incorporating functional breathing, women can achieve a more balanced emotional state. Deep, controlled breaths enhance emotional regulation, helping to smooth the emotional rollercoaster often experienced during this time.

Easing Hot Flushes

Hot flushes, a hallmark of menopause, can be distressing. Functional breathing offers a natural way to manage this symptom. By regulating the body's stress response, these techniques can mitigate the severity and frequency of hot flushes, providing much-needed relief.

Sleep disturbances, including sleep apnea, become more common in women over 50. Conscious connected breathing can significantly improve sleep quality. This practice reduces stress and anxiety, which are often culprits behind sleep issues.

The Buteyko method, a form of functional breathing, is particularly effective in addressing the increase in sleep apnea among women over 50. By teaching individuals to breathe through their nose, maintain a correct breathing volume, and increase carbon dioxide tolerance, this method can lead to significant improvements in sleep apnea symptoms. Regular practice can reduce nighttime awakenings, decrease snoring, and enhance overall sleep quality, contributing to a more restful and rejuvenating night's sleep.