Because of my boys’ immune deficiency, I began searching for ways to encourage optimal immune function. This discovery marked the beginning of a new chapter for me, diving deeply into holistic approaches that could truly make a difference for my family. My research led me to many practices (of which I share here) and to the routine of breath therapy – and the results I found were undeniable. Breathwork has been shown to calm inflammation, regulate the nervous system, and positively influence immunity, making it a simple yet powerful tool for healing and prevention. Breath therapy is not only valuable for children with deficiencies or health challenges – it’s truly beneficial for all children. It’s a simple, natural tool that many parents may not have considered, but can make a real impact on health, prevention of illness, and mind and body resilience.
While it may seem obvious that breathing is fundamental to good health, the way we breathe can make a profound difference. Targeted breathing practices, often referred to as breath therapy, go beyond simply taking in air — they can directly support your child’s overall well-being by activating the vagus nerve. The vagus nerve is the body’s “rest and restore” nerve, it connects the brain to many organs, including the heart, lungs, and digestive system. When it’s activated, the body shifts out of “fight-or-flight” stress mode and into healing and recovery mode. By calming the nervous system, improving oxygen flow, and helping regulate stress responses, breath therapy plays a very big role in strengthening and balancing the immune system.
For those of you who may not yet know him, Wim Hof — also known as ‘The Iceman’ is one of the most inspiring advocates for the transformative effects of breathwork and cold exposure. His work has brought global attention to how intentional breathing and simple lifestyle practices can unlock the body’s natural capacity for vitality.
Breath therapy helps switch on the vagus nerve in a few key ways:
Slow, Deep Breathing
- When a child takes calm, slow breaths, especially into the belly, sensors in the lungs signal the vagus nerve.
- This lowers heart rate, reduces stress hormones, and supports immune balance.
Exhalation Focus
- Long, gentle out-breaths especially stimulate the vagus nerve.
- This helps the body relax, reduce inflammation, and calm allergic or overactive immune responses.
Rhythmic Breathing
- Practicing steady breathing creates a pattern that reassures the nervous system it is safe.
- Over time, this strengthens vagal tone (the health of the vagus nerve), meaning the body can return to calm more quickly after stress or illness.