Breath work

I did Buteyko/OA breathing for 4 months before starting Wim Hof and would recommend that to anyone who is severe. You need a bit of energy to do this. But now I started and like it. I just started 1-2 weeks ago, but I already notice that I sleep better (I do it in the evening before going to bed, followed by short meditation and yoga).

I used to and now it’s so much better after having done breathwork for months. You might want to check out there videos on Long COVID by the Buteyko institute, the Oxygen Advantage app (free) or the Stasis program (not free).

Vikki Jones, a personal trainer and wellness coach, shared her experience with breathwork as a treatment for Long Covid on the Long Covid Podcast. She initially struggled with breathing exercises due to her condition, but gradually saw benefits as she learned the biomechanics of breathing. Vikki emphasized the need for breathwork programs tailored specifically for Long Covid patients, as standard methods may not be suitable. She collaborated with Patrick McKeown, an expert in breathing techniques, to develop modified exercises for Long Covid sufferers. Vikki highlighted the importance of empathy and understanding when working with individuals experiencing Long Covid symptoms.

Hadas Golan and Rosalba Courtney discuss how breath work can help people with Long Covid by addressing dysfunctional breathing patterns. They highlight that many Long Covid patients have very low carbon dioxide levels, which can disrupt the body's balance. Breath work, when done gently and correctly, can help restore this balance. They also emphasize the importance of group sessions, which not only teach breathing techniques but also provide social connection and emotional support, which are crucial for recovery.

This study investigated whether an online breathing and wellbeing program, called ENO Breathe, could improve health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in people experiencing persistent breathlessness after recovering from COVID-19. The trial involved 150 participants who were randomly assigned to either the ENO Breathe program or usual care, with the program focusing on breathing retraining using singing techniques over six weeks.

The study found that the ENO Breathe program led to a small but statistically significant improvement in the mental health component of HRQoL compared to usual care. Additionally, participants in the program reported reduced breathlessness during physical activities, though no significant differences were observed in other secondary outcomes like anxiety or physical health scores.

For individuals living with long COVID and experiencing breathlessness, this study suggests that engaging in a structured breathing program like ENO Breathe could help improve mental well-being and manage some symptoms. It highlights the potential of holistic, music-based approaches as complementary tools in recovery.

This study is a randomized controlled trial, which is a strong and reliable research design. Published in a reputable journal, The Lancet Respiratory Medicine, the findings are credible, though the modest sample size and focus on specific outcomes may limit generalizability.

This pilot study explored the effectiveness of a 10-week online breathing retraining and singing program called SingStrong for individuals with Long COVID. Participants attended bi-weekly sessions that included mindfulness, breathing exercises, vocal training, and singing, led by a trained vocal coach experienced in respiratory conditions.

The study found significant improvements in symptoms such as breathlessness, fatigue, pain, voice quality, and cognitive function among participants who completed at least half of the sessions. Additionally, the number of cases meeting criteria for chronic fatigue syndrome and myalgic encephalomyelitis decreased by 14.3%, and qualitative feedback highlighted enhanced breathing and overall well-being.

For individuals living with Long COVID, this study suggests that structured breathing and singing exercises may help alleviate common symptoms like fatigue and breathlessness, improving daily functioning and quality of life. It also offers a potential non-invasive and accessible treatment option for managing persistent symptoms.

As a pilot study, the findings are promising but preliminary. The study was published in a reputable respiratory therapy journal, but the small sample size and lack of a control group limit the generalizability of the results. Further research is needed to confirm its efficacy.