What if the way you’re breathing is the very thing holding you back?

In this first half of our conversation with world-renowned breathing expert Patrick McKeown, we dive into the surprising science of functional breathing and its impact on health, focus, and yoga. Patrick shares his personal journey with asthma and poor sleep, and how discovering the Buteyko method changed his life.

You’ll learn why “taking a deep breath” isn’t always the best advice, and how subtle changes in the way you breathe can influence everything from your concentration to your recovery.

We explore:

Patrick’s story of transforming his asthma and sleep through breathing

Why nasal breathing matters so much more than you think

The myth of “bigger breaths = more oxygen” and what science really shows

The lost history of yoga breathing, and why subtlety is the key

How small adjustments in practice can boost blood flow, calm the mind, and improve performance

About Patrick

To date, Patrick has worked with some of the top athletes in the world across a variety of sports including tennis, cycling, weight lifting, American Football, MMA and track and field. Patrick’s professional memberships include Fellow of The Royal Society of Biology, and Chairman of Buteyko Professionals International (BPI).

A TEDx speaker, Patrick’s work has touched the lives of thousands and more worldwide. His work has been published by leading publishing houses including Harper Collins (UK), William Morrow Press (USA), Red Wheel Weiser (USA), Sperling & Kupfer (Italy), Kanki Publishing Inc. (Japan). Journal publications include the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Journal of the American Orthodontic Society and Clinical Otolaryngology.

Patrick’s book, ⁠The Oxygen Advantage⁠ is an extension of this work, combining simulation of high-altitude training and specifically-formulated exercises which empower athletes to improve their sports performance safely, legally and at no cost. For the first time, athletes are afforded a reliable and accurate means to measure their progress using the Body Oxygen Level Test, enabling them to address poor breathing habits; understand in simple terms how oxygen is released to working muscles; and to practice breath hold exercises that naturally increase aerobic and anaerobic capacity.

The team at Oxygen Advantage have granted listeners to this podcast an incredible 20% off their Breathing For Yoga Instructor training Course - use code ALBA20 at checkout!

About Alba Yoga Academy

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Bonus Episode: Try Hard with Erika Casupanan

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Erika's early singing dreams and choir experience

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