Why Breathing Patterns Matter for Chronic Illness

Breathing is the most fundamental thing we do, yet dysfunctional patterns like mouth breathing, shallow chest breathing, and breath holding can drive dysautonomia, POTS, and impaired tissue oxygenation in chronically ill patients. In this episode, Dr. Eric Gordon sits down with Michael Roesslein to discuss how the way we breathe constantly signals either safety or danger to the nervous system, why low CO2 tolerance keeps oxygen locked in the blood rather than delivered to tissues, and how chronic diaphragm constriction from held emotions blocks lymphatic drainage and organ function. They discuss why simple nasal diaphragmatic breathing practices can shift the body from protective overdrive into a healing state, and how breath awareness serves as a free, accessible tool for restoring autonomic balance.Episode Highlights:Mouth breathing and shallow chest breathing activate sympathetic overdrive, signaling dangerHigher CO2 tolerance pushes oxygen from the blood into tissues for deliveryDiaphragm constriction from held emotions blocks lymphatic drainage and organ functionNasal belly breathing for 3-5 breaths retrains the nervous system toward safetyIntroduction to breathing: https://animasomaticself.com/Listen in to learn more : [0:00:34] Breath: The Most Overlooked Healing Tool[0:05:00] Functional vs “Breathwork”: How You Breathe All Day Matters[0:05:00] CO₂ Tolerance: The Hidden Key to Oxygen Delivery[0:18:07] Diaphragm as a Second Heart: Pumping Lymph, Emotion, and Safety[0:28:53] Adaptations, Not Failures: How the Body Protects with Dysfunctional PatternsAbout Michael RoessleinMichael Roesslein holds a Master's Degree in Exercise Science & Health Promotion and is a certified Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner, CHEK Holistic Lifestyle Coach, and Advanced Facilitator of Biodynamic Breathwork and Trauma Release System, with additional training at the Luminous Awareness Institute and Dr. Gabor Maté's Compassionate Inquiry program. He is the founder of Rebel Health Tribe and has recently transitioned to Anima Somatic Self-Discovery, where he facilitates trauma-focused healing work for individuals and groups and hosts transformational retreats in Italy and beyond.Learn more https://animasomaticself.com/💬 Text us your feedback and future show ideas! (Please note we can't respond to texts - email questions to [email protected])Interested in Becoming A Patient?Find out if working with Gordon Medical is right for you. Set up a complimentary discovery call with our new patient coordinator at www.gordonmedical.com.** This information is not to be taken as medical advice. Always consult your practitioner before making any changes to your treatment.