Breath as a resource

Working with the breath can improve our awareness and experience of our body. We learn something about ourselves by letting the breath flow as it is and not changing it. However, conscious breathing exercises can relieve pain and tension, help with mental and physical illness, recognize stress and its symptoms, and support healing processes. What comes up during the treatment can be addressed in conversation.

There are various ways of working with the breath. The IKP method, developed by physician, psychotherapist, and theologian Yvonne Maurer, uses a holistic and integrative approach. This holistic model considers humans on multiple dimensions, including the body, psyche, social aspects, spirituality, space, and time.

Our anatomy, physiology, and pathology foundation informs our work in various aspects. Our approach also includes various concepts and interventions, including the Anthropological cube model by Yvonne Maurer, the Salutogenic health model by Aaron Antonovsky, the Experiential Breath technique by Ilse Middendorf, Eutony by Gerda Alexander, the Polyvagal Theory by Stephen Porges, Psychotonic, and the synthesis of Eastern and Western medicine according to Volkmar Glaser and Cornelis Veening. We also utilize Respiratory Psychology principles developed by Elisabeth von Gunten.

The underlying psychological approach combines Humanistic psychology, systems theory, and phenomenology- empowering individuals in their healing process.

Body-centered work

The body can influence the mind. Integrating body-centered therapies can improve well-being in clinical and self-care settings. Body-centered work, or somatic therapy, recognizes that our physical bodies store emotions, memories, and experiences and that addressing these bodily sensations can lead to healing and personal transformation.

Body-centered breath therapy involves more than just breathing. However, no specific techniques are taught. The emphasis is on building body awareness through exercises and treatments. This helps improve self-awareness by enabling you to recognize signals from your body and mind, restoring confidence.

The Breath Association Switzerland offers more information about the method and related topics.