Reprogramming Subconscious Breathing Patterns
In this episode of 'What I'm Reading, What I'm Thinking,' Isaac explores the critical yet often overlooked aspect of human physiology: subconscious breathing patterns. Through an in-depth look at the brainstem's role and various scientific studies, Osborne explains how stress and posture can alter our automatic breathing patterns. He introduces a new breathing exercise designed to reset these patterns at the subconscious level, ultimately improving structure and reducing tension. Additionally, Osborne announces a live workshop in February 2026 aimed at teaching practitioners how to assess and correct dysfunctional breathing patterns within their clinical practice.
Breath As Structure Workshop: https://www.motionunlimited.net/structure-function-breath
00:00 Introduction to Subconscious Breathing
00:25 Understanding Automatic Breathing Patterns
01:05 The Brainstem's Role in Breathing
01:47 Impact of Chronic Stress on Breathing
02:30 Challenges of Conscious Breath Training
03:03 Reprogramming the Subconscious Breath
04:43 Workshop Announcement: Breath as Structure
05:56 Fascia and Its Connection to Breathing
07:20 Neurophysiology and Biomechanics of Breathing
09:14 Conclusion and Upcoming Workshop
In each episode, I use Anatomy.app as my main 3D anatomy visualization tool. It’s the platform I rely on to explore fascia, joint relationships, breath mechanics, and pressure systems in detail.If you’d like to study along or use the same resource, visit:👉 https://anatomy.app/?via=isaac Use the discount code MOTION10 at checkout for 10% off any monthly, quarterly, or yearly subscription.
Ever wish editing didn’t take up your entire week? Descript has drastically reduced my editing time and made it possible to keep creating content, even on a packed schedule. Here’s my affiliate link if you want to check it out: https://get.descript.com/f7tn5mo5dzn7REFERENCES
FOR FURTHER READINGCentral Pattern Generator & Respiratory Control:Smith, J.C., et al. (1990). Neural mechanisms generating respiratory pattern in mammalian brain stem-spinal cord in vitro. Journal of Neurophysiology, 64(4), 1149-69.Dutschmann, M., & Dick, T.E. (2012). Pontine mechanisms of respiratory control. Comprehensive Physiology, 2(4), 2443-69.Polyvagal Theory:Porges, S.W. (1995). Orienting in a defensive world: Mammalian modifications of our evolutionary heritage. Psychophysiology, 32(4), 301-318.Porges, S.W. (2007). The polyvagal perspective. Biological Psychology, 74(2), 116-143.Fluid Pressure & Muscle Mechanics:Sleboda, D.A., & Roberts, T.J. (2017). Incompressible fluid plays a mechanical role in the development of passive muscle tension. Biology Letters, 13(1), 20160630.Sleboda, D.A., & Roberts, T.J. (2020). Internal fluid pressure influences muscle contractile force. PNAS, 117(3), 1772-1778.Interoception & Body Awareness:Tsakiris, M., Tajadura-Jiménez, A., & Costantini, M. (2011). Just a heartbeat away from one's body: Interoceptive sensitivity predicts malleability of body-representations. Proceedings of the Royal Society B, 278, 2470-2476.Craig, A.D. (2009). How do you feel—now? The anterior insula and human awareness. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 10, 59-70.Fascia & Respiration:Findley, T.W., & Shalwala, M. (2013). Fascia research congress evidence from the 100 year perspective of Andrew Taylor Still. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 17(3), 356-364.Schleip, R., et al. (2019). Fascia is able to actively contract and may thereby influence musculoskeletal dynamics: A histochemical and mechanographic investigation. Clinical Anatomy, 32(7), 891-895.Dysfunctional Breathing:Courtney, R. (2009). The functions of breathing and its dysfunctions and their relationship to breathing therapy. International Journal of Osteopathic Medicine, 12(3), 78-85.Courtney, R., et al. (2011). Medically unexplained dyspnea: Partly moderated by dysfunctional (thoracic dominant) breathing pattern. Journal of Asthma, 48(3), 259-265.
