Can Breathing Solve 90% of Health Problems?
The Power of Breath
Breathing is the only pathway through which most people can reliably help themselves.
It is safer and more accessible than strenuous exercise for the elderly or those with health conditions.
A best‑selling book by Dr. Tetsuya Okunaka—'90% of Discomfort Can Be Solved by Breathing'—strongly supports this view.
Dr. Okunaka's Findings
Breathing is the only autonomic function you can consciously regulate. Through diaphragmatic breathing and posture adjustment, discomforts can be alleviated efficiently without equipment, expense, or special settings.
Many people breathe incorrectly (e.g., shallow mouth breathing), lowering CO2 and oxygen utilization, which worsens fatigue and concentration.
With over 30 years of clinical experience, Dr. Okunaka improved his own declining respiratory function via breath and posture training—even maintaining energy during demanding work past age 60.
Correct Technique
Diaphragmatic breathing with emphasis on complete exhalation.
Protocol: seated, exhale through mouth for 10 seconds while contracting the abdomen; inhale through nose for 5 seconds. Do 4–5 sets daily.
Advanced: nasal exhale with a soft hum for 5 seconds; repeat similarly. Many with long‑term anxiety report calmer heartbeat after practice.
Posture Matters
Keep vertical alignment; avoid leaning or hunching. Open the chest gently and let breathing become smooth.
Case reports include reduced waistline and resolution of discomfort after two weeks of breath plus posture training.
Benefits: improved strength, reduced fatigue, firmer abdomen; the method requires no equipment, costs nothing, and fits into daily life.
A Better Way: Internal Observation
Our Internal Observation Breathing integrates gentle pelvic floor engagement and abdominal pressure with embodied awareness.
Beyond respiratory adjustment, it fosters resonant coordination among internal organs and smoother circulation.
For lasting change, pair diaphragmatic techniques with daily Inner Observation—warm belly, attention at the lower dantian, observe without following.