The relationship between breathing and immune function has been validated by landmark research, most notably the 2014 Radboud University study where trained practitioners demonstrated voluntary influence over their innate immune response through specific breathing techniques. This study showed that intentional breathwork can modulate cytokine production, increase adrenaline levels, and reduce the inflammatory response that underlies many chronic diseases.
Your immune system operates optimally when your autonomic nervous system is balanced. Chronic stress — which shallow, rapid breathing both reflects and reinforces — suppresses immune surveillance, reduces natural killer cell activity, and increases susceptibility to infection. By practicing breathing exercises that restore parasympathetic balance, you create an internal environment where your immune cells can function at peak capacity.
A practical immune-support breathwork protocol combines stimulating techniques like power breathing (which temporarily activates the sympathetic system to boost immune cell production) with calming coherence breathing (which reduces chronic inflammation). This dual approach provides the hormetic stress that strengthens immune function while maintaining the baseline calm that prevents immune suppression from chronic stress.