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# Oxygen Advantage® Breath Training
- URL: https://www.circlepitwellness.com/oxygen-advantage-breath-training/
- Published: 2026-09-22T19:52:54.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-24T20:51:49.000Z
- Description: Carbon dioxide tolerance — a functional breath method for strength and regulation
- Author: Kat Hanner, MA, NBC-HWC, E-RYT
- Tags: Breath Training

Based in anatomy and physiology, this breath training method was developed to help high performers and athletes breathe functionally for performance and well-being. 

## Anatomy and Physiology

Most of us will recall from school that breathing is an involuntary and automatic physiological process. To review and support the construct of functional breathing, remember that the recruitment of three primary areas of the body (anatomy) help to draw in oxygen and expel carbon dioxide. *\*note: discussing the respiratory system is much more complex, and that's a whole other conversation.*

#### Diaphragm

This muscle supports the inhalation and exhalation. As it sits underneath the lungs and above the abdomen, the diaphragm moves to activate the gas exchange in the lungs. On the exhalation, the diaphragm relaxes and forms a dome/arch shape. On the inhalation, the diaphragm contracts and flattens outward across the body.

#### Rib cage

When the diaphragm contracts and flattens outward at the top of the abdomen, the intercostal muscles between the ribs also contract and pull the rib cage outward. This action allows oxygen to be drawn in, or inhaled, to the lungs. As the intercostal muscles relax, the rib cage moves inward and the exhalation occurs.

#### Lungs

The expansion of the chest cavity facilitates a change in air pressure, which is why oxygen enters the lungs. As the rib cage moves outward, it causes the body's lung volume to increase. Boyle's law explains that the increased lung volume causes internal air pressure to drop below atmospheric pressure, forcing oxygen into the lung to balance the pressure. Then, as the chest contracts, lung volume decreases and carbon dioxide is expelled. 

## Why training matters

Here's a common question: If breathing happens automatically as described above, how can it become dysfunctional? Just as we are capable of winking, while blinking is also involuntary, we can also control our breathing patterns. This means, the control may be intentional but is also very often unintentional. 

It's possible to overbreathe, aka hyperventilate, and that often occurs in stressful or anxious states. The body becomes dysfunctional and inefficient at that point. This is where breath training with a focus on hypercapnia can be supportive.

### Regulation with the Oxygen Advantage® Breathe Light method

Now, to focus on breathing light, slow and deep. Oxygen Advantage® breath training, derived from the Buteyko Breathing Method that trained slow, light nasal breathing and has been used in studies for reducing asthma symptoms, focuses on these three elements to regulate and bring function back to the breath. It's simple, affordable and accessible to virtually everyone (which medical exceptions being, well, exceptions). 

#### Breathe light 

Reduce the volume of air intake

#### Breathe slow

Decrease the number of breaths per minute

#### Breathe deep

Feel the oxygen move down into your lungs without forcing gulps of air into the upper chest

## The Oxygen Advantage® method continued

In application, there are additional breathing exercises that a trained Oxygen Advantage® instructor can share with you beyond the Breathe Light system. This includes extended breath holds for carbon dioxide tolerance and more efficient delivery of oxygen throughout the body, nasal breathing techniques with humming to increase nitric oxide production and forced hyperventilation for up-regulation and activation of the sympathetic nervous system. 

The exercises are intended for daily practice and take less time to do than watching a TV show. It's an accessible and discrete means to finding regulation in this chaotic world, you know, if you're into that sort of thing.

*\*note: This is not medical advice. Engaging in breath exercises is not a medical prescription, and you do so at your own ability and potential risk should you have health complications. Consult with your medical provider if you have questions.*