Medical Therapeutic Yoga uses a biopsychosocial model taught through yoga to health care practitioners (PT, OT, AT, etc.) to improve the overall health of the patient. Abnormal breathing patterns, orofacial examination, and their treatments for the student athlete will be discussed in this lecture with the goal to deregulate the vagal response. “The vagas nerve helps regulate most of the bodily functions necessary for our health and emotional well-being. This nerve must function properly in order for us to be healthy, feel good emotionally, and interact positively with family, friends and others” (Rosenberg, 2017). Four abnormal breathing patterns will be addressed in a respiratory screening. Once a breathing pattern, normal or abnormal, is discovered the orofacial assessment begins and includes a subjective and objective examination to assist the student-athlete’s breathing pattern. “Abnormal breath patterns adversely affect human systems. These effects include psychological symptoms such as panic or anxiety, physical symptoms such as impaired truck stability (Kolar et al.,2012), gastrointestinal disorders, or pelvic pain, and/or physical signs such as hypoventilation or hyperventilation.” (Garner, 2016). The two breathing patterns covered in this lecture will be belly breathing and 3 part breath to deregulate vagal tone and correction of faulty breath habits (Garner, 2016).

Wow! What an experience to present to a group of professionals. I was extremely nervous and harsh to myself during the presentation which was reflected with my co-worker afterwards. My critique - what I have to offer is valuable and important and people are interested! The information went over well and individuals took tools from the presentation to use in their own lives and then their patients. I am scheduled to speak to students in a few months which I am very much looking forward. I want to continue to deliver this material to athletic trainers to not only better their practice but their own self care. I have created 4 videos - let me know if you need that content as well.