Breathing: a sign of life and a unique area for reflection and action

The aim of this study was to clarify patients' experiences of breathing during therapeutic processes in Norwegian psychomotor physical therapy (NPMP).

A qualitative approach was used based on interviews with 9 women and 1 man aged between 41 and 65 years. The data were analyzed with the aid of grounded theory.

Three categories were identified from the participants' experiences: (1) "Breathing: An Incomprehensible and Disparate Phenomenon," (2) "Breathing: Access to Meaning and Understanding," and (3) "Breathing: Enhancing Feelings of Mastery." Initially, breathing difficulties and bodily pains were described as physical reactions that seemed utterly incomprehensible to the participants. Communication, both verbal and nonverbal, between the patient and the physical therapist was described as vitally important, as was conscious attention to occurrences during the treatment sessions. The participants learned to recognize changes in their breathing patterns, and they became familiar with new bodily sensations. Consequently, they acquired new understanding of these sensations. The feeling and understanding of being an entity (ie, "body and soul") emerged during therapy. The participants increased their understanding of the interaction between breathing and internal and external influences on their well-being. Their feelings of mastery over their daily lives were enhanced. The therapeutic dialogues gave them the chance to explore, reflect, and become empowered.

In experiencing their own breathing, the participants were able to access and identify the muscular and emotional patterns that, linked to particular thoughts and beliefs, had become their characteristic styles of relating to themselves and the world.