breathing rehabilitation and development

The
Optimal Breathing School®
Leading Edge Touch & Non Touch Methods to Rapidly Develop Natural Mechanical Breathing Function.

The April 17-19 2004 Optimal Breathing School session was snuggled in our own mountain chalet at www.sevenspringscenter.com with weather-to-die-for. 8 candidates for The Optimal Breathing School Breathing Development Specialist Apprentice Certification made up the group

Three men and five women who traveled from nearby North Carolina, Alaska, Colorado, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania and Washington, DC. All of them seeking knowledge and experience about Optimal Breathing® and its relationship to internal peace, spiritual experience, energy, optimum health, mental clarity, sleep, longevity, speaking and singing, COPD, personal growth and personal power. The group was made up of an extremely eclectic and experienced Florida chiropractor, a yoga and Feldenkrais teacher, 3 massage therapists, a natural vision trainer, a Qigong student, a nutritional oriented health professional and a wonderfully persistent person that is recovering from severe health challenges using breathing and her ever strengthening sense of how she wants to be.

Student comments.
Dr. Bill H., DC

What is your impression of me and the way I run my school?
You know what and where you want to go with the material and where you don't. You have a good grasp of how long it will take for us to get the info. You understand our need to "get in touch" with what we are feeling. …..I think you run it with good control.

What are some of the major benefits you received as a result of working with me?
1. Getting in touch with my body.
2. Better understanding of the procedures.
3. Overall in personal improvement with my own health. (decreased coughing, breathing easier and hope for further improvement)

How would you describe me and my work to someone who might need or want my service?
I've been almost practicing that, talking about the differences between breath work and your work as the "nuts and bolts" of breathing, working with understanding it, changing depth, rhythm and rate. Overall improving function. Teach the patient/client what they can do for themselves. Be able to evaluate what needs to be improved on. Nothing else like it that I'm aware of.

Carol B, Yoga and , Feldenkrais teacher, massage therapist.
It was awesome. I learned a lot about myself. More then I’ve ever known. And I am sure it is going to open up a lot more doors for me as I pursue this work for myself and with other people. And helping others will in turn inspire me to work more on myself. It was a great experience. I will definitely be back. Virgil R. Qigong student and aspiring spiritual teacher

What is your impression of me and the way I run my school?
Your style of instruction is simplistic and to the point. Fully enjoyed learning from someone who understands the importance of teaching to a variety of learning styles. It felt great and refreshing to be around a truly real person. Bravo!

What are some of the major benefits you received as a result of working with me? An increased awareness of myself, my breathing, my spirituality. It was transformational, empowering and totally engaging.

How could I have improved my service to you? Nothing that I can think of right now.

How would you describe me and my work to someone who might need or want my service? Simple and effective. Gains are witnessed throughout the instructional periods.

Virgil R. Qigong student and aspiring spiritual teacher

Esther V, Natural vision trainer
It was great. I feel like I am breathing deeper, easier, clearer and I am very happy. I am think that a lot of the learning process is still to come as we go out and teach other people. I look forward to that part. From Mike: Do you think this will add to your natural vision training? Esther: Oh yes. Immensely.

What is your impression of me and the way I run my school?
You're extremely knowledgeable about breathing and how to overcome obstacles to optimal breathing in a safe and quick manner. You care deeply about people and about teaching.

What are some of the major benefits you received as a result of working with me?
I gained an understanding that I never had of the breathing system, and I now have enough confidence in my ability to help others improve their breathing to begin teaching it myself.

How would you describe me and my work to someone who might need or want my service? From personal experience I can highly recommend Mike White, the expert on optimal breathing. If there is anyone who can really help you breathe better, it's Mike, go check his website at the very least.

Carol B. On the spiritual and optimal health path. It was wonderful, great. I learned a lot of processes. It will take me some time to sort them all out. One thing I have to say is that it (life) is all about breathing.

Jan J. Health professional
I. What is your impression of me and the way I run my school?
Very professional – and FUN. Everyone gets a turn to pick on each other (or as partners). What seems, at first, a silly assignment turns out to be one of the BEST things you’ll ever learn. Then when you know how to breathe better yourself, you can help others… That’s a VERY empowering feeling!

What are some of the major benefits you received as a result of working with me?
Everyone asks me if I ATE the Energizer Bunny! My energy levels used to be pretty high. Now I have no trouble sleeping and no need stopping to rest. NICE PROBLEM (especially at 60!)

How would you describe me and my work to someone who might need or want my service? Feeling tired and sluggish? Brain fog? Indecisive about many things in your life? Schedule an hour or two with Mike White! He’ll share some terrific information and techniques to help yourself breathe better, Improve your diet and gain a new outlook on life! Just from the changes I’ve felt in myself and observed with others in The April 2004 class and people who worked with Mike at raw foods festivals in New York the past 2 summers, I’d HIGHLY recommend that everyone should have a session or two with Mike! Hock something if you have to--- it’s WELL worth the $$$. Consider it an investment in your longevity – your future!

Margaret A, Massage therapist
What is your impression of me and the way I run my school?
I believe you are very passionate and knowledgeable about improving people’s breathing, and in turn, helping them to improve their quality of life. As you mentioned in class, your “bedside manner” could use some improvement, although I’m pretty sensitive and I didn’t take offense at your style because I believe you are sharing valuable information and that your mission is to help people.
I really found it beneficial to have the DVD and workbook ahead of time. I like getting familiar with material first and then have it reinforced and expanded on in class. I also recognized how essential proper breathing is to my sense of well being because I checked off so many symptoms on the UBD form. What are some of the major benefits you received as a result of working with me?
I felt taller, my posture improved, I could take fuller, deeper breaths, I felt energized and focused while in class, and now I am motivated to do what it takes to continue to improve my breathing and posture. I am more aware of my breathing and can catch myself when I am reverse breathing or holding my breath and then remember to take full deep breaths into my abdominal area. I’m also planning to take some voice lessons!

How would you describe me and my work to someone who might need or want my service?
I would say you have lots of experience working with a wide variety of individuals and you can help anyone improve his breathing. Your techniques are easy and effective and someone can notice results and improvement very quickly. I would recommend your class, your DVD and private sessions with you. I would tell them to look up your web page and ask if they would be interested in filling out a UDB and intake form and letting me practice some of what I learned from you so I can go on to the advanced class!

Jim M, Personal Growth student/spiritual seeker.
I wanted to open up more spiritually and knew that breathing was a huge part of that. The things that I learned I am going to put into practice. My energy increased, my voice strengthened, my relaxation deepened. I’m more excited now then I was before the weekend. I can put this into practice for myself and help others with it as well. I am VERY excited. It was worth every penny.

Dear Mike:
I am finding watching the almost immediate results so rewarding and the

expressions on the children's faces as they realize the ease in breathing

and the difference it makes them feel is incredible.

thank you for it all and hope all is well. Karen Walker, Private Tutor, Sidney Australia

J. Michael Wood

Dear Mike,
First I would like to thank you for the training to become an Optimal Breathing Development Specialist Apprentice (OBDSA). Not only was the "hands on" training a great learning experience, but it helped me get the "feel" required to work with patients and clients.
An added benefit was discovering the glitches in my own breathing mechanics and posture, and the chance to use the Optimal Breathing techniques to correct them during our classes. It was particularly notable that I was able to reduce my pulse rate by 6 beats/min., and increase my blood oxygen level by 3% in just 5-6 breaths after correcting the problem. I have now been able to create the "over the top" breathing experience at will, and the paradox of more relaxation and more energy is constantly present.
I also noticed that while I was doing QiGong meditation in the supine position and using the Primary Rest Position, I had one of the best energetic meditations I have experienced in 4 years! I will be looking forward to the results I achieve in moving meditation.
The backrest you made for my automobile allowed me to make the 4 1/2 hour drive home after the workshop without feeling the fatigue I normally experience. I was able to draw deep, relaxed breaths while driving with the backrest and the seat angle changes you recommended. I thank you, and my back thanks you!
Thank you again for sharing you knowledge, experience and enthusiasm in our class. It will provide a lifetime of relief for me, and I will be able to pass it along to the people I will work with in my practice.
J. Michael Wood, PBMC, OBDSA,Medical QiQong Therapist.

Rebecca Sharp: Jacksonville FL
As an LMT, NMT health care practitioner, I am continuously seeking new modalities to improve my skills and offer more to help so many that seem to be in need of something that is not being provided in the allopathic arena. I am constantly being bombarded with complaints from my clients like "my doctor said "I just have to live with this", or "here take this pill and then another to ward off the side effects of the first one" or "here do A, B, C- and D at astronomical costs, only to leave them with the same problem that they
sought to solve or in worse shape physically then before. In short, my experience is the medical "house of cards” is falling apart at the seams. The pharmaceutical world is getting richer and richer as sickness in this country is at an all time high. In an effort to
maintain my own health, as I am diagnosed with a rare blood disease, coupled with my desire to help others, I found Optimal Breathing through a peer. She said it helped her more dramatically then any other seminar that she has ever
been to. My husband, also an LMT, is on the same path. Looking, seeking, praying for SOMETHING that will WORK and will make a positive difference, permanently in his life and in the lives of those we touch. Collectively, we contacted Mike and scheduled the time and money necessary to become certified in these Breathing Techniques. If I had only known then, what I know now. I
would not have been so non-chalant about it all. I arrived in North Carolina with little expectation, but excited about the possibilities as I had already saturated myself with the Web Site www.Breathing.com. Please note my initial search was for ways to help others, I already KNEW how to breathe, don't you know, been doing it all my life. I am active in Pilates, Chi-Gong, Stress
Release Exercises, Meditation, been working out in the gym for over 20 years plus, retired ballet and ballroom dancer, have too many degrees to list, including a retired RN. I am a holistic healing coach, eat raw foods and vegetables, take my daily regimen of vitamins, get plenty of rest, no longer use manufactured personal hygiene products, I make my own. ...I KNOW HOW TO
BREATHE, oh but I am willing to learn something new to help my clients. So off to North Carolina my husband and I went. I subjected my self to all the tests, as if I was a client, only to slowly discover I AM A CLIENT. As Mike taught me the techniques and "how to's" I became aware that I didn't know how to breath CORRECTLY at all and in fact, have spent my whole 44 years on
this planet not breathing correctly. I was in shock! After the first day, I had a new sense of motivation. I went back to my hotel room and read everything Mike gave me and did exactly what he said to do. The second day was approached with much more vigor. I took notes, asked questions and learned everything I could from Mike. As the training proceeded I became awake to all the ways I can now help others but more importantly myself. I had several wonderful personal experiences and I have chosen to share the most profound and unexpected one. During a particular strapping technique, I felt "stuck" in my breathing in the area of my right sternum, near where the rib cage attaches. As I conveyed this to Mike, he continued the technique in an attempt to release this area. During this procedure I started to cry and was immediately overwhelmed by a memory of a childhood traumatic event. When
I was 3 years old, I almost drowned in the St. Lawrence River. My Mother had left my Father in charge of my older brother and me. He left us on the bank while he rowed his small boat out a short distance to so some fishing. As curious children are, he stuck his foot into the water...."ohhhhh it's cold,” he says as he pulled his foot out. Well, as sisters do, I copied him. However my legs weren't long enough to reach the water without going in a tad bit further and I slid right into the river. There is no shallow area and
the water was 10-15 feet deep off the bank. As I gasped for air I could not reach the top or the bank. This went on for what seemed to be forever and I finally gave up the fight to save myself, I couldn't breathe and that was ok by me and a sense of peace came over my soul as the sun glistened through the water like a kaleidoscope of crystal colored light I tried to reach and hold in my hand. Well, I saw the oars of my Father's rowboat swiftly pulling him closer to me. I felt his strong arm grab mine and pull me out by one arm into the small boat. I remember how heavy I felt as I was brought out of the cold water and into the boat, like a limp saturated dishrag. Well by that time, my Mother was at the bank of the river, shouting at my Father for being so careless to allow this to happen and as they exchanged words of the event, he rowed ever closer to the bank. She yanked me from the boat and into the
house for some dry clothes, still shouting at my Dad, bless his heart. Here is the point, I was never told "it's ok you can breathe!" She, in her fury with my Dad, didn't take me in her arms and tell me everything was ok. So, I have spent my life barely breathing at all, waiting for someone to tell me "You can breathe, it's ok” I had been in the state of fluid filled lungs ever since, but only mentally. Physically, my body complied with this belief and my breathing was disabled for over 41 years. Mike assured me that this was a normal occurrence and we kept the session going. In ONE SESSION with Mike, this was released and for the first time in a long time I can really take in a deep, full body breath. I was overcome with Oxygen, it felt so good and still does. I am continuing to take in more air and feeling so calm, peaceful and HEALTHY. Since returning home to my practice, I have been able to help family and friends put down their long time friends their “INHALERS.” This work is beyond phenomenal; it is exactly what has been missing from all kinds of treatment, including the treatment of Cancer. Cancer is an anaerobic disease; it cannot live in the presence of Oxygen. Since I am a Lymph Drainage Specialist, I work with post-cancer patients. This work is helping them to become productive and vital again! Thanks Mike for your continued work in this field and FINALLY bringing true health back into the world of HEALTH CARE.

Rebecca S, LMT, NMT

From Aaron Butler:
When I signed up to spend four days with Mike White, I expected to learn a lot about how to deal with other people's breathing problems. What I didn't expect was to have a life changing experience that continues to affect me on a daily basis.

At first I found Mike to be a little imposing, very masculine very strong. But I would later find that through his training I too could come into greater contact with my masculine side. I have always been a very accommodating person, letting most people walk right over me, in the belief that it was better to not cause trouble. I've gotten better at standing up for myself in the last few years, but Mike gave me a realization of something I had been neglecting: my voice.

I had never really made the connection between breathing and your voice. But by using singing and breathing exercises I was able to clear and strengthen my voice. And what a difference it makes! My confidence grew a huge amount, and in such a short amount of time it was astonishing.

That was one of the most important lessons I gained from Mike: that progress doesn't have to take years. In fact, huge progress can be made in a matter of minutes!

Another area that exceeded my expectations was that of overall health. Mike was not just interested in my breathing alone, but my whole entire body. I learned dietary changes, and exercise routines that would help my body to stay healthy and breathing optimally.

And of course my breathing was the thing that improved the most. I did gain a good amount of lung capacity, but what was even more important to me was the rhythm of my breathing. Before, I had a very fast, very shallow breath. Through many different exercises, including strap work, body work, voice work and coaching, I was able to dramatically slow my breath down, and deepen my natural breath. This deepening of the automatic breath still brings me wonder as every breath I take, without any effort on my part, feels slow and deep.

The effect of these changes has included deeper sleeping, more energy, and most importantly a raising of my level of consciousness. Things are much clearer than they were before, and my health has taken an even higher priority in my life. The importance of breathing has finally taken its proper place. Thanks Mike! Aaron Butler, Sedona Az.

From Leiah C, LMT,RM,CH

I attended the Optimal Breathing course at ...........(name withheld pending level 2 outcome) I was very excited abut the class, even before it occurred, s I had learned about, and experienced the Optimal Breathing techniques through a fellow therapist. Rebecca Sharp had taken the course and had carried a great deal of enthusiasm about the work, and the impact it has on health.

Having personally experienced some of the therapy, I was very eager to learn the method for myself. My practice is in Jacksonville, The (name withheld pending level 2 outcome) has a primary focus of working with individuals to educate and provide methods to achieve and maintain optimum health. The Optimal Breathing techniques seemed like another wonderful tool to add ton the many varied things I already use, depending on the individual needs of each client. In the class it was emphasized what you can not have optimum health without proper breathing.

To experience the strapping techniques by several different practitioners during the course was also a great experience. Each practitioner had their own uniqueness that added depth to the program. Each practitioner shared their feedback and questions that helped make the experience broader and richer for me.

the techniques that were learned were simple and straightforward, but powerful in their effects. The understanding of the importance of the diaphragm, and the bodies need for a full healthy breath was very enlightening. to learn the techniques, and how many body systems and conditions that were being activated and helped with proper breathing was very impressive.

since my practice works with may individuals who have either experienced disease, injury or are living with it, or others whose goal is to improve their health, this techniques can make a different impact and improvement on their health.

Now that I have learned the techniques of the Optimal Breathing Level 1 practitioner, I am very excited to share them with my family, friends and many wonderful clients. Leiah Carr. March 2002

Counselor in South Africa
I have just completed a master's degree in counseling. The training course I have just completed in Waynesville under the guidance of Michael G White, has added greatly to my counseling resources, just how greatly the future will tell. In helping my clients to breathe well I will be opening to them a door to a whole new level of living. How do I know this? From personal experience! As I feel my lungs expanding I believe that I have not only added years to my life, but what I think is even more important, I have added life to my years. Jerome McCarthy

From Candace Pert:
The peptide-respiratory link is well documented: Virtually any peptide found anywhere else can be found in the respiratory center. This peptide substrate may provide the scientific rationale for the powerful healing effects of consciously controlled breath patterns.

Mind doesn't dominate body; it becomes body. Body and mind are one. I see the process of communication we have demonstrated, the flow of information throughout the whole organism, as evidence that the body is the actual outward manifestation, in physical space of the mind. Bodymind. At this molecular level there really was no distinction between the mind and the body.
Molecules of Emotion, Candace Pert

From Dr. Erik Peper
Dr. Erik Peper of San Francisco State College has discovered that the most effective way for people to learn to breathe better is through modeling of the action by a skilled therapist or coach. (11). In the foreword (8), Chandra Patel, M.D. of the University College London states that "the two components subjects feel they have benefited from most, and that they are willing to continue using, are awareness of stress and breathing exercises. Human nature makes it unlikely that most people, except those strongly motivated, will comply with a time consuming practice in the long term".

Student comments. Dr. Bill H., DC

What are some of the major benefits you received as a result of working with me? An increased awareness of myself, my breathing, my spirituality. It was transformational, empowering and totally engaging.

How could I have improved my service to you? Nothing that I can think of right now.

How would you describe me and my work to someone who might need or want my service? Simple and effective. Gains are witnessed throughout the instructional periods.

Virgil R. Qigong student and aspiring spiritual teacher

Student comments.
Dr. Bill H., DC