Marla Waal
Pilates
ELDOA™
Buteyko Breathing
Movement and breath have been an integral part of Marla’s life since childhood competitive gymnastics. After high school, Marla dedicated the first years of her professional life to studying classical ballet at the professional ballet school of Les Grands Ballets Canadiens, then performing and traveling around the world. In 1998 upon returning to Canada she began her yoga studies and discovered a passion for healing through movement and breath. Completing over 12 yoga certifications, teaching various styles from gentle restorative practice to more vigorous Ashtanga.
After realizing her passion for helping people feel free in their bodies through her yoga teaching, Marla then dove into Dynamic Anatomy and the science of imagery with Eric Franklin in 2009, and became a Level 1 Franklin Method Educator. She followed this with a year of Pilates training with Dianne Miller. To complement her extensive experience in Pilates, in 2017 Marla studied and added therapeutic breathing techniques to her offerings. She also achieved four levels of ELDOA™ Method Training,created by Guy Voyer, (she is currently one of only three ELDOA™ Method trainers in Canada) and most recently became a Buteyko breathing educator. Marla has developed a massive toolbox for movement and breath!
Marla has been a certified yoga instructor for 25 years, a certified pilates instructor for 10 years, a level 4 ELDOA™ instructor for 5 years, and most recently a certified Buteyko breathing educator. She is passionate about helping her clients move better and achieve big changes to their overall health with the goal of being “long, loose, strong and free”, by sharing these tools and promoting independent practice.
In her free time, Marla loves to cook for her family, and indulges in her latest culinary passion of creating variations on lemon sorbet (we’re a fan!). She also enjoys spending time in nature and getting away with her two kids.
Click here to learn more about Marla’s therapeutic offerings.
Getting to the Root of Seasonal Allergies with Buteyko
What if the symptoms of hay fever could be relieved by simply changing the way you breathe? Enter the Buteyko Breathing Method. This revolutionary approach teaches individuals to correct dysfunctional breathing patterns, leading to a normalization of their respiratory system.
Understanding Seasonal Allergies
Hay fever, or allergic rhinitis, is an immune system disorder triggered by an exaggerated response to airborne allergens. Symptoms include a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, headaches, and even flu-like symptoms, disrupting daily life and productivity.
Seasonal allergies are typically triggered by environmental factors like pollen, pet hair, dust, or mold. This immune response involves IgE antibodies binding to allergens, triggering the release of inflammatory chemicals like histamine from mast cells.
Conventional Treatment Options
While identifying and avoiding triggers is ideal, it’s not always practical. Conventional treatments like antihistamines, nasal decongestants, and steroid nasal sprays are often prescribed to manage symptoms. However, these medications may have side effects, such as increased risk of cataracts, glaucoma, and weight gain.
Addressing the Cause: The Buteyko Breathing Method
One remarkable aspect of Buteyko Breathing is its ability to stimulate the production of nitric oxide in the body. Nitric oxide is a natural vasodilator, meaning it dilates blood vessels. In the context of hay fever, nitric oxide helps naturally open nasal passages.
Research indicates that individuals with allergic rhinitis often have lower nasal nitric oxide levels. By practicing Buteyko Breathing, emphasizing nasal breathing and breath control, individuals can increase nitric oxide production in the nasal passages, improving airflow and reducing congestion without the need for medication.
Research and Benefits
Studies, including a clinical trial at Limerick Hospital in Ireland, have shown promising results. Patients with asthma who practiced the Buteyko Method experienced a 70% reduction in rhinitis symptoms. Moreover, over-breathing leading to carbon dioxide deficit can trigger histamine release, exacerbating allergic rhinitis and asthma.
The Benefits of Buteyko Breathing
Following correction of dysfunctional breathing, individuals report various improvements, including:
- Reduction in asthma symptoms and medication reliance
- Clearing of nasal passages and sinuses
- Restoration of nasal breathing
- Reduction or elimination of snoring and sleep apnea
- Decreased mucus production and relief from allergic rhinitis and sinusitis
- Enhanced energy levels and exercise capacity
- Improved recovery rate and overall respiratory health
Learning the Buteyko Breathing Method has been a transformative journey for countless individuals battling seasonal allergies and asthma. For many, it’s not just about managing symptoms; it’s about reclaiming control over their health and well-being. By mastering the techniques of breath normalization, they’ve experienced a profound shift in their respiratory health, often reducing reliance on medication and finding lasting relief from symptoms. The benefits extend beyond alleviating allergies and asthma; it’s about unlocking a newfound sense of vitality, enabling them to live life to the fullest. Buteyko Breathing isn’t just a treatment; it’s a life-changing practice that empowers individuals to breathe easier and thrive, even in the face of seasonal challenges.
Peer-reviewed studies in support of Buteyko Breathing method can be found here: