Since 1991, thousands of people have experienced the joy and health benefits of Full Wave Breathing. Here is one person's story of how Full Wave Breathing changed their life.

CASE IN POINT:
John's Emergence

John was sixty years of age and diagnosed with agoraphobia, a fear of open or public places, and Arterial Sclerotic Heart Disease. John had not left his home, more specifically his bedroom, for more than ten years.

His agoraphobia began shortly after his twenty-six year old son was shot and murdered. When John developed heart disease, he was rushed to the hospital and due to his intense anxiety had no recall of the entire hospitalization. Following his discharge from the hospital, John was seen by a visiting physician in his own home, and treatment was restricted to the home.

John wore glasses, but because of his agoraphobia had not had his eyes checked in ten years. He did not see a dentist during this time though he had some loose teeth. His driver's license expired and he became totally dependent on his spouse who worked as a clerk in a nearby hospital.

As John's coping abilities diminished, he was in a constant state of depression and anxiety. His emotional problems, including the agoraphobia, negatively impacted his medical illness, and he was not compliant with medications and treatment regimes.

At last, he physician suggested he try Full Wave Breathing. John was capable and willing to participate in directed breathing. At the end of the first six-week period, John was demonstrating a strong Full Wave Breathing pattern that he practiced 3-5 times a day, depending upon his anxiety.

In the course of therapy, it became clear that John's phobia was related to his rage toward the police. The court did not prosecute the alleged murderer of his son. John felt that he had failed his deceased son and that he would not be able to control his raging impulses toward the police. The therapist did not deal with these issues directly. Rather she attempted to help him manage his fear of leaving home; knowing that success and self worth would diminish the defensive postures.

John continued to speak of his amazement about how he felt before and after his breath sessions. After twelve weeks, John was able to keep an appointment with an optometrist with assistance from his wife. He was also thinking about going to the dentist. Then John shared with the therapist that he had been spitting up blood. The physician ordered portable x-rays, which showed a large tumor in his left lung.

John faced the news of lung cancer with great fear, but he did not experience any panic. He took the initiative in calling the oncologist's office and making arrangements for a private area in which he could have treatment.

Notably John was feeling more control over his life, despite the fact that he was facing a possible terminal illness. John showed distinguished courage during his chemotherapy treatments. He uncharacteristically conversed with his physician, nurses and technicians who treated him. During this period he even obtained his driver's license.

Long after John's Full Wave Breathing regimen was complete, he continued to call his facilitator to update her on his progress. He said that he was breathing through his chemotherapy to manage his emotions. He stopped taking his antidepressant medications and was compliant with his medical regimen.

A few times John expressed deep regret that he had spent the last ten years in his bedroom. Through Full Wave Breathing he felt he had regained some measure of control. His dependence on others diminished tremendously, his self worth improved, and John felt "alive" again.

John's journey to wholeness began in May of 1996, and treatment ended in September of that year. In November, 1997, John completed his radiation; and in January, 1997, he completed his chemotherapy. John died on March 18, 1997. He discovered his wholeness, and his journey was complete.