1/4 H Neuro #103 - Breathing for Posture

Introduction

Breathing is often considered a gateway to better posture. In this episode, we have the pleasure of welcoming Victoria, an expert who explains how she approaches breathing and posture in her practice, in addition to sharing her fascinating journey.

Victoria's Journey

Victoria, who recently celebrated her 29th birthday, has an unusual background. She started with studies in politics, journalism, and sociology while being a competitive powerlifter. Her personal story is marked by back issues that led her to pivot toward sports.

Despite medical advice urging her to stop all physical activity, Victoria decided to educate herself and find solutions for healing. She explored various approaches, including naturopathy and manual therapies, which led her to create her own business focused on the prevention and rehabilitation of athletes.

Breathing as the Key to Posture

Victoria emphasizes the importance of breathing within the nervous system and posture. She explains that even when working on other neuro aspects, neglecting breathing can lead to imbalances. Breathing is essential for survival, and poor breathing can have consequences on posture and movement.

The Different Breathing Techniques

It is common to associate breathing with relaxation techniques, but Victoria insists there are many breathing strategies. Sometimes, it is necessary to activate the nervous system rather than simply seeking relaxation. She highlights the importance of exhalation, often overlooked, which prepares for inhalation and helps activate the parasympathetic nervous system.

Asymmetries and Posture

Victoria also addresses the topic of bodily asymmetries. She explains that humans are not symmetrical by nature and that these asymmetries are essential for our functionality. Breathing, influenced by these asymmetries, plays a crucial role in posture and movement.

Factors Influencing Breathing and Posture

Victoria identifies several factors that can affect breathing and posture, including emotional history, injuries, and lifestyle. For example, a person who has experienced trauma might develop protective mechanisms that impact their posture.

Conclusion

Breathing is a fundamental element to consider for optimizing posture and movement. Victoria offers an integrative approach, highlighting the importance of body awareness and breathing techniques. To learn more about her work and workshops, feel free to follow her journey on Instagram or listen to her podcast.