In the heart of Gloucestershire, holistic healthcare business, Tele-Therapies LTD, is making waves by focusing on the power of breath to transform health and wellbeing.
Its founder Devi Sundar is passionate about natural healing and mindfulness, and, through tailored wellness programs, she aims to help Gloucestershire residents to connect with their bodies, reduce stress and lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.
Can you share a bit about your background and what initially drew you to breathwork as a therapeutic practice?
Growing up I used to visit my father while he worked as a microbiologist and lab technician at a hospital and the early exposure of that sparked my interest in the human body, particularly in breathing and auscultation.
Seeing my mother struggle with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and diabetes also deeply connected me to respiratory health, particularly after her passing in 2017. Both these life experiences made me realise the profound impact of something as simple as breath on people's overall health.
After completing my undergraduate studies in physiotherapy, with a focus on coronary artery bypass surgery, I pursued further education in counselling and psychotherapy. This led me to Ireland, where I earned a postgraduate diploma in respiratory therapy and later, a master’s degree in respiratory practice from the University of Hertfordshire.
With
over 20 years of experience, the establishment of Tele-Therapies in mid-2021
was a natural progression in my career. My
mission is to empower individuals to use breathwork as a tool for healing,
stress management and overall wellbeing.
How does breathwork differ from other practices in terms of its benefits for mental and physical health?
Breathwork stands out because of its unique ability to bridge mental and physical wellness, due to it directly influencing the body's physiological processes, allowing us to control the autonomic nervous system.
This control enables individuals to shift from a sympathetic state, often characterised by stress and anxiety, to a parasympathetic state, promoting calm and relaxation.
Additionally,
breathwork is highly adaptable and accessible, as it can be practiced almost
anywhere, with immediate benefits such as reduced anxiety, enhanced focus, and
even decreased lung inflammation.
In your experience, what are the most common health or emotional challenges that people in Gloucestershire face and how can breathwork help to address these?
As a respiratory physiotherapist, psychotherapist and neuroscience coach, currently specialising in hypnotherapy, I’ve observed various mental and physical health challenges in Gloucestershire, particularly stress and anxiety — these conditions have surged, particularly post-COVID-19, leaving many feeling uncertain and fearful.
Research shows that breathwork can lower anxiety levels by 20 to 30 per cent and by focusing on breathing, individuals can ground themselves and experience immediate relief from overwhelming emotions. Studies also suggest that breathwork may be more effective than traditional mindfulness in reducing anxiety, offering quicker emotional and physiological shifts.
According to the NHS, 1.2 million people in the UK are affected by COPD and Public Health England reports that 9.7 per cent of Gloucestershire residents have a diagnosed breathing disorder. Breathwork can significantly improve respiratory health by utilising techniques like pursed-lip and deep diaphragmatic breathing. These methods help enhance lung function and overall respiratory efficiency, with studies indicating up to a 15 per cent improvement in lung capacity.
Chronic pain affects 28 per cent of
people in Gloucestershire, with conditions like arthritis and fibromyalgia.
Breathwork helps reduce pain by promoting relaxation and improving emotional
well-being, with research showing a 30 per cent reduction in pain perception. It also
enhances emotional resilience, coping skills there by improving stress
management by 40 per cent.
Therefore, incorporating breathwork into
community health initiatives in Gloucestershire is essential for addressing
widespread mental and physical health challenges. That's why Tele-Therapies has been actively raising awareness about lung health, mental health and the
benefits of breathwork.
Can you talk us through a typical breathwork session with a client? What should someone expect from their first session?
In my initial free 30-minute consultation with clients, I take the time to learn about their background, medical history and specific goals, which helps establish rapport and ensures they feel comfortable.
A typical breathwork session consists of clients exploring their breath and how it affects their physical and emotional wellbeing in a space designed to promote relaxation with calming music, soft lighting and comfortable seating.
We start with grounding techniques then move on to diaphragmatic breathing, before progressing to adapting techniques to suit a client's comfort levels, exploring methods like circular and box breathing to facilitate emotional release — and all emotional responses are valid.
We
gradually conclude the session after 45 to 60 minutes of breathwork, allowing time for reflection
and a debriefing discussion.
What are some of the most memorable transformations you've witnessed in clients who have embraced breathwork?
One case that stands out in particular would be a client with anxiety and emotional numbness as a result of unresolved sorrow following a family death. She faced her pain for the first time using circular breathing techniques, which resulted in a potent emotional release and an eventual reclaiming of a part of herself she'd buried.
Breathwork has also improved the physical health of a customer with asthma who used diaphragmatic breathing techniques to lessen her need for inhalers. She said she felt more empowered to take control of her health and had more energy as a result.
These
anecdotes highlight the significant effects of breathwork on mental, emotional and physical health, demonstrating its amazing capacity to promote recovery,
development and improved general wellbeing.
Do you have any personal daily breathwork or mindfulness practices that you find particularly effective?
I start my morning routine with ten minutes of Nadi Shodhana Alternate Nostril Breathing followed by five minutes of mindfulness, with an emphasis on taking slow, deep breaths through my nose and soft, gentle exhalations through my lips — I find that this exercise helps me get centred and make the most of the day.
I
also do twice-daily thoughtful prayers and meditation as part of my religious
practice, which strengthens my sense of appreciation and serenity and improves
my spiritual connection which also connects me with my mother.
For those who may feel sceptical or unsure about breathwork, what would you say to encourage them to give it a try?
I understand that there can be some scepticism surrounding breathwork, but its benefits can be profound and immediate, so I encourage everyone to give it a try.
One powerful practice I
recommend is the '4-7-8 breathing' technique. Begin by inhaling
deeply through your nose for four counts, holding the breath for seven counts,
and then gently exhaling through your mouth for eight counts. Repeat this cycle
four times. This exercise can help reduce anxiety, calm the nervous system and
uplift your mood.
Remember, your breath symbolises your presence in
this world, so stay connected to it.
