Stress management through conscious breathing

Felke therapy's forgotten element: breathing

Healing clay treatments, mud baths and friction sitz baths are among the best-known components of Felke therapy. What is less well known is that conscious breathing also played a key role in Emanuel Felke's original naturopathic method.

Felke spoke of 'lung air bathing' and recommended spending as much time as possible in the fresh air, becoming consciously aware of one's breathing and viewing humans as a unity of body and mind. Therefore, his therapy relied on the interplay of various natural stimuli rather than individual measures. The healing properties of clay, water, light, exercise in the fresh air and targeted breathing were intended to help the body regain its natural balance.

Stress affects our breathing.

When we are under time pressure or experiencing emotional distress, our body reacts within seconds. Our breathing accelerates, our heart rate increases and our muscles tense, preparing the body for increased performance. This reaction is useful in the short term as it enables us to cope with challenges. However, problems arise when this state persists and the body lacks the necessary recovery phase. In this case, breathing remains shallow and the autonomic nervous system is permanently activated. Consequences can include sleep problems, inner restlessness, difficulty concentrating and muscle tension.

This is precisely where conscious breathing comes in. When breathing becomes calmer and more regular, the body receives the signal to switch from tension mode to recovery mode. Heart rate and blood pressure drop while muscle tension decreases simultaneously. Studies attribute this effect to the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for regeneration and recovery in our autonomic nervous system.

Naturopathy works through interaction

Interestingly, Pastor Felke was already making use of these connections over 100 years ago. In his naturopathic method, he combined various complementary treatments.

Healing clay baths and treatments promote blood circulation and heat distribution in the body, providing a relaxing effect. The friction sitz bath uses targeted cold water stimuli to train the body's ability to regulate itself. Exercising in fresh air activates circulation and strengthens the metabolism. Conscious breathing connects all these elements and supports the autonomic nervous system in regaining a healthy balance - this combination is the secret to the success of Felke Therapy. Rather than focusing on individual ailments, it considers the person as a whole and their ability to respond flexibly to stress and recovery.

Breathing exercise with prolonged exhalation

Amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life, conscious breathing often takes a back seat. Yet all it takes is a short break to reconnect with your breath and give your body a moment of rest. One effective method is the 4–6 breathing technique:

• Inhale through your nose for four seconds.
• Exhale slowly through your mouth for six to eight seconds.
• Keep your shoulders relaxed while doing so.
• Consciously engage your abdomen as you breathe.
• Repeat this exercise at least ten times.

This breathing exercise takes just over 90 seconds and can be done almost anywhere - for example, at work, at home or while out walking. The prolonged exhalation in particular signals to your body that there is no danger. This allows your heart rate and blood pressure to settle and your muscle tension to decrease. You will feel a greater sense of inner calm in just a short amount of time.

In the next episode of our series, 'Menschel's Moments', you will learn more about this breathing technique.

Felke Therapy at Menschels Vitalresort

At Menschels Vitalresort, we continue to view Felke Therapy as an interplay of various natural healing methods. This holistic health concept combines healing clay treatments and mud baths, the traditional outdoor sit-down friction bath, movement in nature, and simple mindfulness and breathing exercises. Each component provides its own stimulus, and together they promote regeneration and inner peace, helping the body to find its natural balance once again.

If you would like to slow down and discover new ways to manage stress, you have come to the right place. For many decades, we have been combining naturopathy, medical expertise and mindful relaxation.