Breath as a resource
Working with the breath can improve our experience of the body and benefit our nervous system regulation. We learn about ourselves by letting the breath flow as it is, observing it, and not changing it. On the other hand, specific breathing exercises can relieve pain and tension, and support mental and physical health.
The IKP school of breath, initially developed by physician, psychotherapist, and theologian Yvonne Maurer, employs a holistic approach: it considers humans on body, psyche, social, spiritual, spatial, and temporal dimensions.
Foundations in anatomy, physiology, and pathology inform our work. The approach also includes interventions using the Anthropological model by Maurer, the Salutogenic health spectrum by Antonovsky, the Experiential Breath by Middendorf, Eutony by Alexander, the Polyvagal Theory by Porges, Psychotonic, and the synthesis of Eastern and Western medicine according to Glaser and Veening.
A current study of mine is the Buteyko method, developed by physician Konstantin Buteyko. This breathing retraining approach emphasizes gentler nasal breathing and reduced overbreathing. It is based on the Control Pause, a gentle breath-hold after exhaling, used to observe breathing tolerance and progress. Today, it is used as a complementary support for conditions of stress, anxiety, sleep apnea, asthma, and other functional breathing difficulties alongside standard medical treatment.
Body-centered work
Our physical body holds emotions, memories, and experiences, shaping our mental and emotional well-being. By integrating somatic work, we create space for transformation, help regulate the central nervous system, reconnect with inner resources, and restore resilience, whether in clinical settings or in self-care.
In all stages of life
Breath therapy can support you through transitional phases of life and make you aware of and relate to inner and outer changes. One example of this transition is during puberty: on komplementär-therapie.ch, I explore how breath therapy can support adolescents during this eventful time. Published on 23 June 2025.
Treatment
In our session, we are guided by the client’s current and individual needs. Interventions can be combined during the sessions:
Exercises with the breath and the body while sitting, standing, lying down, or in motion
Manual treatments on the massage table
Treatment on the clothed body (to release tension, support free flow of breath, and promote physical calm)
Breath massage directly on the skin (to regulate and calm the nervous system)
Reflexive massage techniques directly on the skin (for targeted manual stimulation of the diaphragm, promotion of secretion transport)
Classical massage directly on the skin (with a focus on local treatment of the musculature)
Therapeutic conversation
Therapeutic image work
Sound and vocal expression work
Guided meditation journeys
Meridian system work
Indications
Breath therapy can be helpful for various conditions. Here are some possible indications:
Respiratory disease
Muscular tension and pain
Post-surgery and during rehabilitation
Anxiety and panic
Concentration difficulties
Chronic Fatigue, long-term illness
Loss, Grief and other life crises
Benefits
Regulating the autonomic nervous system
Supplying cells and tissues with more oxygen
Lowering blood pressure
Regaining self-confidence through self-efficacy
The Breath Association Switzerland offers more information about the method and related topics.