In this episode of 'What I'm Reading, What I'm Thinking,' Isaac explores the critical yet often overlooked aspect of human physiology: subconscious breathing patterns. Through an in-depth look at the brainstem's role and various scientific studies, Osborne explains how stress and posture can alter our automatic breathing patterns. He introduces a new breathing exercise designed to reset these patterns at the subconscious level, ultimately improving structure and reducing tension. Additionally, Osborne announces a live workshop in February 2026 aimed at teaching practitioners how to assess and correct dysfunctional breathing patterns within their clinical practice.

Breath As Structure Workshop: https://www.motionunlimited.net/structure-function-breath

00:00 Introduction to Subconscious Breathing

00:25 Understanding Automatic Breathing Patterns

01:05 The Brainstem's Role in Breathing

01:47 Impact of Chronic Stress on Breathing

02:30 Challenges of Conscious Breath Training

03:03 Reprogramming the Subconscious Breath

04:43 Workshop Announcement: Breath as Structure

05:56 Fascia and Its Connection to Breathing

07:20 Neurophysiology and Biomechanics of Breathing

09:14 Conclusion and Upcoming Workshop

In each episode, I use Anatomy.app as my main 3D anatomy visualization tool. It’s the platform I rely on to explore fascia, joint relationships, breath mechanics, and pressure systems in detail.If you’d like to study along or use the same resource, visit:👉 https://anatomy.app/?via=isaac Use the discount code MOTION10 at checkout for 10% off any monthly, quarterly, or yearly subscription.

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FOR FURTHER READINGCentral Pattern Generator & Respiratory Control:Smith, J.C., et al. (1990). Neural mechanisms generating respiratory pattern in mammalian brain stem-spinal cord in vitro. Journal of Neurophysiology, 64(4), 1149-69.Dutschmann, M., & Dick, T.E. (2012). Pontine mechanisms of respiratory control. Comprehensive Physiology, 2(4), 2443-69.Polyvagal Theory:Porges, S.W. (1995). Orienting in a defensive world: Mammalian modifications of our evolutionary heritage. Psychophysiology, 32(4), 301-318.Porges, S.W. (2007). The polyvagal perspective. Biological Psychology, 74(2), 116-143.Fluid Pressure & Muscle Mechanics:Sleboda, D.A., & Roberts, T.J. (2017). Incompressible fluid plays a mechanical role in the development of passive muscle tension. Biology Letters, 13(1), 20160630.Sleboda, D.A., & Roberts, T.J. (2020). Internal fluid pressure influences muscle contractile force. PNAS, 117(3), 1772-1778.Interoception & Body Awareness:Tsakiris, M., Tajadura-Jiménez, A., & Costantini, M. (2011). Just a heartbeat away from one's body: Interoceptive sensitivity predicts malleability of body-representations. Proceedings of the Royal Society B, 278, 2470-2476.Craig, A.D. (2009). How do you feel—now? The anterior insula and human awareness. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 10, 59-70.Fascia & Respiration:Findley, T.W., & Shalwala, M. (2013). Fascia research congress evidence from the 100 year perspective of Andrew Taylor Still. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 17(3), 356-364.Schleip, R., et al. (2019). Fascia is able to actively contract and may thereby influence musculoskeletal dynamics: A histochemical and mechanographic investigation. Clinical Anatomy, 32(7), 891-895.Dysfunctional Breathing:Courtney, R. (2009). The functions of breathing and its dysfunctions and their relationship to breathing therapy. International Journal of Osteopathic Medicine, 12(3), 78-85.Courtney, R., et al. (2011). Medically unexplained dyspnea: Partly moderated by dysfunctional (thoracic dominant) breathing pattern. Journal of Asthma, 48(3), 259-265.