Reflective respiratory therapy regulates breathing involuntarily, thereby influencing various bodily functions. Reflective respiratory therapy (RAT) can make a significant contribution to alleviating the symptoms of COPD and emphysema. The therapy uses targeted stimuli to influence the shape of the respiratory movement. Nerve control is stimulated by means of temperature, pressure and stretching stimuli across the fibers of the musculature at tendon attachments, on the periosteum (periosteum) and at special respiratory stimulation points. This leads to an involuntary positive influence on the shape of the breath, which can be consciously perceived by the patient.

Respiratory therapy includes exercises and techniques that make it easier for patients to breathe and promote conscious body awareness. It is a branch of physiotherapy and is used, for example, for patients with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or Long Covid. Respiratory therapy therefore helps with breathing difficulties and lung diseases.

Respiratory gymnastics uses techniques to improve breathing by strengthening the respiratory muscles and improving their efficiency as well as mobilizing secretions. It is a branch of physiotherapy and medical respiratory therapy. Patients with chronic lung diseases often have inefficient breathing due to incorrect breathing technique. The aim of respiratory gymnastics is to improve the lung function of these patients. At the same time, respiratory gymnastics serves to mobilize the chest. By improving thoracic mobility, the ability to inhale can be improved.

Respiratory therapy is an essential part of physiotherapy and is particularly useful for patients who suffer from respiratory diseases or whose breathing is restricted. This can be asthma or COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Dysfunction), for example. Respiratory therapy training is required to be able to help these people in a well-founded manner.

Training as a psychotherapeutic process facilitator, for example, is not recognized by health insurance companies. With the corresponding qualification as a complementary therapist, it is possible to bill complementary therapies via the health insurance companies for supplementary insurance. This works via the ASCA/EMR recognition of training as a respiratory therapist. This is not unimportant for the financial aspect, as it is easier to find clients, as they are reimbursed a large part of their expenses by the health insurance company.

A good and well-founded "Breath Therapist Training" costs between CHF 15,000 and 25,000, depending on the provider and duration. Good training is an important investment for the later successful management of your own practice. If you set yourself up well, you can recoup these costs within a reasonable period of time.

Training as a respiratory therapist is part of complementary therapy. The method training usually takes around 3 years. Anyone seeking a federal AFPE qualification as a complementary therapist in the method of respiratory therapy must also complete the Tronc Commun and an internship as well as specialist supervision in addition to the KT industry certificate in the method.

The admission requirements for this course to become a respiratory therapist vary depending on the educational institution. In most cases, however, a basic education at upper-secondary level in a

• social,
• instructors,
• educators,
• pedagogical,
• therapeutic,
• medical,
• nursing or
• movement and physical

area is a prerequisite. In addition, an aptitude test and a preliminary interview are generally required.

Anyone who has completed the approximately three-year extra-occupational respiratory therapist training must complete an internship and a so-called "Tronc Commun" (natural science, social science, profession-specific basics) in addition to the training in the respiratory therapy method in order to obtain the industry certificate in complementary therapy. After subsequent professional practice with accompanying supervision, the Advanced Federal Professional Examination (AFPE) in Complementary Therapy with a federal diploma can be taken.

In respiratory physiotherapy training, you learn to consciously perceive the breathing process and thereby make breathing easier in the long term. This includes

• Breathing and physical exercises
• Manual therapy methods
• Therapeutic discussions
• Meditation and relaxation
• Mindfulness and awareness-enhancing applications
• Vocal work with the voice (voice work)
• Meridian system