BRAIN FOG - How I Cured My Brainfog by Holding My Breath | The Buteyko Method

Summary

In this video, Neil Tranter shares a simple breath-holding technique to alleviate brain fog, a condition that can impair focus and cognitive function. Having experienced significant improvement in his own recovery from burnout and long COVID, Neil guides viewers through the 'many small breath holds' exercise, which is part of the Buteyko Method. This method aims to calm the nervous system and improve blood and oxygen supply to the brain, potentially leading to clearer thinking and reduced mental fatigue. The video also hints at other breathing exercises that may offer long-term solutions for brain fog.

Takeaways

• 🧘 Neil Tranter shares a breath-holding technique to alleviate brain fog, which he found helpful in his recovery from burnout and long COVID.
• 🌫️ Brain fog symptoms include a dull mind, difficulty remembering words, focusing, and experiencing mental fatigue.
• 💡 The 'many small breath holds' exercise is part of the 'Potato Method' and can reduce brain fog symptoms by calming the nervous system and improving blood supply to the brain.
• 🌱 Neil's personal journey with brain fog included trying various therapies, diets, and supplements, but it was breath-holding exercises that provided relief.
• 📚 Breath-holding exercises can increase CO2 levels in the blood, which paradoxically improves oxygen transfer to the brain cells, aiding in mental clarity.
• 👍 The video encourages viewers to give a thumbs up if they find the content helpful and to subscribe for more.
• 🚫 A cautionary note is given for pregnant individuals and those with serious health conditions to consult a professional before attempting the exercises.
• 🔄 The exercise involves taking normal breaths, holding the nose for a few seconds, and then releasing to breathe normally, all while keeping the mouth closed.
• ⏱️ The guided exercise is meant to last for about 3-4 minutes to start experiencing the benefits.
• 🧘‍♂️ Neil has trained as a 'Potato' instructor to share the benefits of these breathing exercises, which have various health advantages.
• 🔗 The video description includes chapter links for easy navigation and mentions another video with a different breathing exercise for long-term brain fog healing.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video?

The main topic of the video is a simple breath holding technique to clear brain fog, which the speaker claims has helped in their recovery from burnout and long COVID.

Who is the speaker in the video?

The speaker in the video is Neil Tranter, who aims to teach skills to feel calmer and clearer.

What are some symptoms of brain fog mentioned in the video?

Some symptoms of brain fog mentioned include a dullness of the mind, difficulty remembering words, struggling to focus, and experiencing mental fatigue.

What did Neil try to alleviate his brain fog before discovering the breathing exercises?

Neil tried various therapies, a ketogenic diet, working with a functional therapist, and different supplements to alleviate his brain fog.

What is the name of the breathing exercise Neil found helpful for reducing brain fog?

The breathing exercise Neil found helpful is called the 'many small breath holds' exercise, which is part of the 'Potato Method'.

How has Neil's condition improved after using the breathing exercises?

Neil's brain fog has improved significantly, to about 80% better than before, allowing him to function on a higher level most of the time.

Why can holding the breath for short periods help reduce brain fog?

Holding the breath for short periods gently raises levels of carbon dioxide in the blood, which improves blood supply to the brain and the transfer of oxygen to brain cells, leading to clearer thinking.

What is the 'Potato Method' and how is it related to the breathing exercises?

The 'Potato Method' is a set of breathing exercises that Neil discovered on YouTube, which includes the 'many small breath holds' exercise and is aimed at reducing brain fog.

What precautions are advised before starting the breath holding exercise?

The video advises against doing the breath holds if pregnant or if experiencing any serious health condition, and suggests consulting a practitioner before attempting the exercises.

How long should one hold their breath during the exercise?

During the exercise, one should hold their breath for about three to five seconds before releasing and returning to normal breathing.

What is the long-term benefit of practicing the breath holding technique?

The long-term benefit of practicing the breath holding technique is that it can help permanently change the body's response and reduce brain fog over time.