As many as 90% of people have a deviated septum. This is where the bone and cartilage dividing the nostrils is crooked. It is a common complaint in people playing sports, in mouth breathing during childhood, and in people who have had trauma to their nose, and it can occur in newborn babies too.

The good news is that the vast majority of people with a deviated septum can still make the change from mouth breathing to nose breathing.

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Practising Sync breathing or any other form of Breathwork with a pre-existing heart condition should be approached with caution.

Sync Method breathing, which focuses on reducing breathing rate and volume to increase carbon dioxide levels in the blood, can have various physiological effects, including on the cardiovascular system.

Before starting Sync Method breathing or similar practices, it's crucial to consult with your healthcare provider, especially if you have a heart condition.

Your doctor can advise you based on your specific medical history, current health status, and the nature of your heart condition. They might recommend modifications, supervision, or even advise against certain practices depending on factors like the severity of your condition, the presence of symptoms, and any medications you're taking.

Heart conditions vary widely in severity and implications for exercise and breathing practices. While some individuals with stable conditions may be cleared to engage in gentle Breathwork under guidance, others, especially those with more severe or unstable heart conditions, might be at risk.

Generally, any new exercise or Breathwork regimen should be started gradually and under professional supervision when a heart condition is present. This ensures that potential risks are minimised and the practice is tailored to your individual health needs.

Always prioritise safety and professional medical advice when considering complementary practices like Sync Method breathing for managing health conditions.

Want to learn more? We’ve got so much to tell you about the numerous benefits of Breathwork. Read more of our blogs HERE.

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Have a look to see when our next Sync Method live event is HERE

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Practising Sync breathing when experiencing panic attacks can be beneficial for some individuals, as the technique focuses on controlled, reduced breathing, which may help to manage hyperventilation and anxiety symptoms commonly associated with panic attacks.

The Sync method teaches breathing normalisation, which can help calm the nervous system and reduce the frequency or intensity of panic attacks over time.

However, it's important to approach this practice with caution and awareness, especially if you are new to Sync Method breathing.

Our tips:

Gradual Introduction: Start slowly and gradually introduce breathing exercises into your routine, particularly if you are prone to anxiety or panic attacks. Abrupt changes in breathing patterns can sometimes trigger anxiety in sensitive individuals.

Monitoring and Adjustment: Pay close attention to how your body and mind respond to the exercises. If certain aspects of the practice exacerbate your symptoms, stop the exercise and consult a practitioner. The exercises might need to be adjusted to suit your individual response.

Complementary Therapy: Use Sync breathing as a complementary therapy alongside any existing treatments or therapies you are undergoing for panic attacks. Do not replace your current treatment plan with the Sync Method without consulting your healthcare provider.

Medical Consultation: Before starting any new breathing exercises, especially if you have a history of panic attacks or any other mental health concerns, it's advisable to consult with your healthcare provider or a mental health professional to ensure that the practice is appropriate for your specific situation.

Want to learn more? We’ve got so much to tell you about the numerous benefits of Breathwork. Read more of our blogs HERE.

Or book a 1:1 session with our founder, Milena Jaksic, HERE

Have a look to see when our next Sync Method live event is HERE

Or book a corporate session with Milena at your workplace and introduce your team to all the physical and emotional benefits some daily breathwork can bring. HERE

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Want to learn more? We’ve got so much to tell you about the numerous benefits of Breathwork. Read more of our blogs HERE.

Or book a 1:1 session with our founder, Milena Jaksic, HERE

Have a look to see when our next Sync Method live event is HERE

Or book a corporate session with Milena at your workplace and introduce your team to all the physical and emotional benefits some daily breathwork can bring. HERE

Individuals of nearly all ages can practice Breathwork, but the approach and complexity of the exercises should be tailored to suit the age and developmental level of the person practising.

Here is a general guideline:

Children

Young Children (Ages 3 - 6): Simple breath awareness exercises can be introduced to young children, often through playful activities or games that encourage them to notice their breath or practice slow, deep breathing. These activities should be brief, simple, and engaging.

Older Children (Ages 7 - 12):

Children can understand and participate in more structured breathing exercises at this age. Techniques can include deep belly breathing, counting breaths, or using visualisation with breathing. Sessions should remain short and enjoyable to maintain their attention and interest.

Teenagers

Teenagers can engage in more complex Breathwork practices and benefit from exercises promoting relaxation, stress relief, and emotional regulation. Techniques such as the 4-7-8 breath, alternate nostril breathing, or even simple mindfulness-based breathing exercises can be suitable. It's important to introduce these practices in a relatable manner, emphasising their benefits for stress, focus, and emotional wellbeing.

Adults

Adults can practice breathwork techniques, from basic relaxation breathing to more advanced practices like pranayama in yoga, the Buteyko method, or holotropic breathwork. The choice of technique can depend on the individual's goals, health status, and personal preference.

Seniors

Breathwork for seniors should focus on gentle practices that promote lung capacity, relaxation, and circulation. It's important to consider any underlying health conditions and to adapt practices to accommodate physical limitations. Techniques that emphasise slow, deep, mindful breathing can be particularly beneficial.

Want to learn more? We’ve got so much to tell you about the numerous benefits of Breathwork. Read more of our blogs HERE.

Or book a 1:1 session with our founder, Milena Jaksic, HERE

Have a look to see when our next Sync Method live event is HERE

Or book a corporate session with Milena at your workplace and introduce your team to all the physical and emotional benefits some daily breathwork can bring. HERE

Nose breathing during exercise is a practice that has gained attention for its potential benefits compared to mouth breathing. Breathing through the nose, even during physical activity, can offer several physiological advantages:

1. Improved Oxygen Uptake

Nasal breathing is believed to enhance the uptake and utilisation of oxygen. The nasal passages filter, warm, and humidify the air, making it more efficient for gas exchange in the lungs. The nasal passages also release nitric oxide, a gas that improves the body's ability to transport and utilise oxygen.

2. Enhanced Filtration

The nose acts as a filter, trapping dust, allergens, and other particles in the air. This can be particularly beneficial during outdoor activities to prevent the inhalation of potentially harmful substances.

3. Increased Carbon Dioxide Tolerance

Nose breathing tends to slow the breathing rate and increase the blood's carbon dioxide (CO2) levels, which can help improve the body's tolerance to CO2. A higher CO2 tolerance can enhance the Bohr effect, which facilitates the release of oxygen from haemoglobin into the muscles.

4. Better Moisture Retention

Breathing through the nose helps to maintain moisture in the airways, as the nasal passages humidify incoming air. This can be beneficial in preventing the dry mouth that often accompanies mouth breathing during exercise.

5. Promotion of Diaphragmatic Breathing

Nasal breathing encourages deeper, diaphragmatic breathing rather than shallow chest breathing. This can improve core stability and respiratory efficiency, contributing to better performance and endurance.

6. Reduced Risk of Hyperventilation

By encouraging slower, more controlled breathing, nasal breathing can help prevent hyperventilation and the associated dizziness, tingling, and weakness that can occur with rapid, shallow breathing through the mouth during intense exercise.

Practical Considerations & Adaptation

Switching to nasal breathing during exercise may require an adaptation period, especially for those accustomed to mouth breathing during physical activity. Initially, nasal breathing can feel restrictive, leading to a sensation of not getting enough air. Starting with lower-intensity activities and gradually increasing the intensity can help the body adapt to nasal breathing during exercise.

Limitations

While nasal breathing has its benefits, there are situations where mouth breathing becomes necessary, especially during high-intensity exercise where the body's demand for oxygen exceeds the capacity of nasal breathing alone. In such cases, a combination of nose and mouth breathing might be most effective.

Nasal breathing during exercise offers several physiological benefits that can improve respiratory efficiency, exercise performance, and overall wellbeing. However, it's essential to listen to your body and use a breathing method that feels most comfortable and effective for your fitness level and the intensity of the activity.

Want to learn more? We’ve got so much to tell you about the numerous benefits of Breathwork. Read more of our blogs HERE.

Or book a 1:1 session with our founder, Milena Jaksic, HERE

Have a look to see when our next Sync Method live event is HERE

Or book a corporate session with Milena at your workplace and introduce your team to all the physical and emotional benefits some daily breathwork can bring. HERE

There is no Sync method App - yet. But we advise anyone to avail of the Oxygen Advantage App, which is free to use, available on the App store.

Want to learn more? We’ve got so much to tell you about the numerous benefits of Breathwork. Read more of our blogs HERE.

Or book a 1:1 session with our founder, Milena Jaksic, HERE

Have a look to see when our next Sync Method live event is HERE

Or book a corporate session with Milena at your workplace and introduce your team to all the physical and emotional benefits some daily breathwork can bring. HERE

Breathwork can be beneficial for managing high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. Controlled breathing exercises can help reduce stress, promote relaxation, and potentially lower blood pressure by activating the body's parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the "rest and digest" response.

However, it's essential to approach Breathwork with caution and under medical guidance if you have hypertension, as not all techniques may be suitable. Here are some Breathwork practices that are often recommended for managing high blood pressure:

1. Diaphragmatic Breathing

Diaphragmatic breathing, or deep abdominal breathing, encourages full oxygen exchange and can help slow the heartbeat and lower or stabilise blood pressure.

Practising this technique involves breathing deeply and slowly through the nose, allowing the abdomen to expand with each inhale and contract with each exhale.

2. Slow Breathing

Reducing the breathing rate to about six breaths per minute can calm the autonomic nervous system. Slow breathing can be practiced by inhaling slowly for four or five seconds, holding the breath for a few seconds, and then exhaling slowly for four or five seconds.

3. Guided Imagery and Breath Focus

Combining Breathwork with guided imagery or focusing on the breath can enhance relaxation and stress reduction. This can involve visualising a peaceful scene or simply paying attention to the sensations of breathing, which can help shift focus away from stressors and induce a state of calm.

4. The 4-7-8 Breathing Technique

The 4-7-8 technique, developed by Dr. Andrew Weil, involves:

• Inhaling through the nose for 4 seconds.

• Holding the breath for 7 seconds.

• Exhaling through the mouth for 8 seconds.

This pattern is believed to reduce anxiety and help the body relax, which can be beneficial for lowering blood pressure.

Precautions and Considerations

Consult a Healthcare Provider: Before starting any Breathwork practice, especially if you have high blood pressure or other health conditions, consult a healthcare provider. They can advise on suitable techniques and any precautions you should take.

Monitor Your Response: Pay attention to how your body responds to Breathwork. Stop the practice and consult with a healthcare professional if you experience any discomfort, dizziness, or adverse effects.

Gradual Introduction: If you're new to Breathwork, start slowly and gradually increase the duration and intensity of the practice as you become more comfortable.

Complementary Practice: Use Breathwork as a complementary practice alongside other blood pressure management strategies recommended by your healthcare provider, such as medication, diet, and exercise.

Breathwork can be a powerful tool for relaxation and stress management, which are important for managing high blood pressure. By incorporating gentle and controlled breathing exercises into your routine, you may experience improvements in blood pressure and overall well-being. However, always ensure your Breathwork practice aligns with your health needs and medical advice.

Want to learn more? We’ve got so much to tell you about the numerous benefits of Breathwork. Read more of our blogs HERE.

Or book a 1:1 session with our founder, Milena Jaksic, HERE

Have a look to see when our next Sync Method live event is HERE

Or book a corporate session with Milena at your workplace and introduce your team to all the physical and emotional benefits some daily breathwork can bring. HERE

Special Considerations

Individuals with Health Conditions:

For those with respiratory conditions, cardiovascular diseases, or other health issues, it's crucial to consult a healthcare provider before starting any Breathwork practice.

Some techniques may not be suitable or may require modification.

Want to learn more? We’ve got so much to tell you about the numerous benefits of Breathwork. Read more of our blogs HERE.

Or book a 1:1 session with our founder, Milena Jaksic, HERE

Have a look to see when our next Sync Method live event is HERE

Or book a corporate session with Milena at your workplace and introduce your team to all the physical and emotional benefits some daily breathwork can bring. HERE

Pregnant Women

Breathwork can be beneficial for stress reduction and relaxation during pregnancy. However, certain Breathwork practices, such as holding the breath or intense breathing, should be avoided or modified. Pregnant women should practice under the guidance of a qualified instructor with experience in prenatal practices.

Regardless of age, it's beneficial to begin Breathwork with guidance from a knowledgeable instructor, especially for more complex techniques or if practicing with specific health goals or conditions in mind. This ensures the practice is safe, effective, and tailored to the individual's needs.

Want to learn more? We’ve got so much to tell you about the numerous benefits of Breathwork. Read more of our blogs HERE.

Or book a 1:1 session with our founder, Milena Jaksic, HERE

Have a look to see when our next Sync Method live event is HERE

Or book a corporate session with Milena at your workplace and introduce your team to all the physical and emotional benefits some daily breathwork can bring. HERE