Breathing techniques helped me breathe better

Louisa Rasmussen has had asthma since childhood, here, she shares her story and how breathing techniques have helped her breathing.

I’ve had asthma from a very young age. To be honest, I don’t remember life without asthma, although it has improved a lot - particularly over the last few years.

Growing up with asthma

During my time at school, I often felt I couldn’t take part in all the activities. I struggled to breathe doing cross country, for example (I’d definitely be nearer the back). I was allergic to cats and would have to avoid visiting friends who had them. The first time I tried a horse-riding class, I ended up in hospital after having an asthma attack. Growing up, I was in the hospital on numerous occasions with asthma attacks and was prescribed steroids almost every year for many years.

It wasn’t until I was in my late teens that I discovered yoga and felt like it was the right kind of exercise for me. I could get a workout without feeling breathless - brilliant! In March 2016, I went to India to complete my first yoga teacher training and to learn more about yogic techniques. I was still using my inhaler, but not as often as I had been. I also found natural ways to unblock my nose and clear my sinuses, such as using a neti pot, which helps me breathe more easily.

Breathing techniques helped me

In 2017 I discovered a particular breathing practice known as coherent breathing, which would, after some practicing, make things easier again. I encourage people to frequently practice breathing slowly and evenly. This helps to release stress, which can be a trigger for asthma.

Fortunately, I haven’t had an attack since I was around 14 (I’m 38 now). I breathe so much easier and have the tools to help me when I feel breathless. Of course, I do have my inhaler for times when I really need it. With the change of seasons, I find that the cold air can sometimes have an impact. At times like these, I try to breathe through my nose, as this helps to regulate body temperature and our lungs can better absorb the air that we breathe in.

Sharing my techniques with you

Practicing some gentle movement, body tapping, qi gong and coherent breathing has helped me hugely. I’m passionate about helping those with a lung condition to breathe more easily and hopefully experience fewer symptoms. My mission is to help a million people breathe better! How we breathe is linked to how we feel, and my intention is to help you feel better. 

 I am passionate about helping those with asthma to breathe more easily and hopefully experience fewer symptoms. I am on a mission to help a million people breathe better! How we breathe is linked to how we feel, and my intention is to help you feel better.