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POTENTIALITY
POTENTIALITY

Supporting Healing, Recovery & Performance

BREATHING FOR STRESS ADAPTATION

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719-387-8389

chronic Stress Overload

Chronic stress overload is a state of sustained autonomic dysregulation, where the fight-or-flight state predominates and parasympathetic (rest and relaxation) tone is suppressed. Over time, this leads to maladaptive physiological changes. In clinical practice, this often manifests as persistent symptoms such as fatigue, breathlessness, dizziness, palpitations, sleep disturbances, pain syndromes, and cognitive impairment.

 

 

Understanding

Complex cases are typically difficult to manage conventionally because no source of organic pathology is found in the patient. Because stress affects every orgam system, patients often present with overlapping persistent symptoms, maiking it difficult to isolate a clear cause without a unifying framework like autonomic nervous system imbalance. Roberto understands this dilemma and has dedicated his career to solving complex cases where disordered breathing and stress overload are identified and corrected.

Validation

At Respiras, we understand that living with complex and unresolved health issues can be challenging and, at times, overwhelming. We take the time to listen, acknowledge, and validate each patient's unique experience, ensuring they feel heard and supported. We believe every individual deserves respect, empathy, and a path forward toward better health and well-being.

 the stress-breathing connection

Unexplained Symptoms?

Patients experiencing unexplained symptoms and a multitude of mysterious illness are often misunderstood and marginalized.  There is limited awareness of maladaptive physiology, which alters the oxygen-carbon dioxide balance and disrupts the normal efficiency of oxygen in the body and potentially leading to dysfunction and disease. 

Stress, trauma, disordered breathing, and lifestyle patterns disrupt the natural breathing patterns.  Physiology should be examined quantitatively alongside the stress "shell shock" encoded in the autonomic nervous system. This type of stress is often imperceptible, can aggravate existing conditions and cause chronic illness.

Just because a patient has a complex problem doesn't mean the patient is complicated. Time, dedication, interest, communication, and in-depth analysis are key components of creating long-lasting solutions for better breathing to support health.

 COMMON TRAITS

  • Extensive medical history without answers.
  • Lab tests and imaging are normal.
  • Recurrent vague overlapping symptoms continue.
  • Patient is not responding well to medications.
  • Treatment is not yielding sustainable results. 

 SYMPTOMS DON'T FIT

  • Breathlessness.
  • Dizziness. 
  • Fatigue.
  • Anxiety.
  • Pain.
  • Brain fog.
  • Heart palpitations.
  • Insomnia.
  • Irritability. 
  • Gut issues. 
  • Unexplained tremors.
  • Disorientation. 

 

Respiras specializes in the subtle, silent patterns of chronic hyperventilation symptoms and stress-related "shell shock" encoded in the body.  These hidden dysfunctions often go undetected by conventional assessments and cannot be resolved with talk therapy, injections, exercises, invasive procedures, or more medications.

 

Respiras is not designed to alter consciousness. Respiras is a clinical system to improve respiratory health for individuals who are looking to optimize function, stress adaptation, and resilience. 

 

 Healing

Breathing supports healing by improving oxygen delivery, balancing the nervous system, and regulating pH through  proper cabon dioxide levels.  Proper breathing enhances circulation, reduces inflammation, and activates the body's natural repair processes. 

Our Client

We serve individuals experiencing symptoms commonly associated with dysfunctional breathing and autonomic dysregulation, including shortness of breath, fatigue, anxiety, orthostatic intolerance, sleep disturbances, palpitations, pain syndromes, and cognitive complaints.  These patients frequently exhibit signs of dysfunctional breathing patterns, CO2 dysregulation, and autonomic imbalance.

Our services are most appropriate for teenagers and adults seeking non-pharmacological interventions that target physiological mechanisms underlying stress-related disorders. 

 

Transformation

Driven individuals who prioritize health know that staying active, focused, and productive requires the right kind of support and care. 

 

We cater exclusively to this driven community, delivering true intrinsic value that aligns with their vision for a healthier, more fulfilled life. 

 

Generational Health

 

  • Image Alt Text: Roberto Ricci, founder of Respiras, expert in breathing therapy and holistic healing
Roberto Ricci Founder Respiras

THE BODY IS WIRED FOR HEALING

"Breathing dysfunction and stress encoded in the nervous system have great potential for destruction in every conceivable area of life. They must be overcome so we can improve healing, promote health, and prevent disease."

 Roberto Ricci, MS, OTR

Founder of Respiras 

 

Background & Expertise 

Roberto Ricci, MS, OTR/L is an occupational therapist who specializes in the treatment of respiratory, neurological, cardiovascular, and stress-related disorders. His focus is on addressing cumulative stress patterns that create dysfunction and disease, specific to nervous system imbalance and dysfunctional breathing. Roberto completed his undergraduate training in Occupational Therapy at California State University, Dominguez Hills. He later earned a Master of Science in Applied Breathing Science with distinction from the  Graduate School of Behavioral Health Sciences in 2014.

Roberto has served as a consultant and educator for the U.S. Army, where he trained soldiers on respiratory efficiency strategies for adaptation to combat-related stress and PTSD. His work emphasizes measurable interventions targetting respiratory-psychophysiological resilience and stress adaptation through CO2 regulation.

Roberto has presented at various national and international symposiums and continues to contribute to the advancement of breathing science in clinical settings. He is the founder of Respiras, an respiratory-based occupational therapy practice recognized for its dedication to applied breathing science for health promotion and disease prevention. 

 

 

 

Areas of Practice

Breathing Problems

Sleep Disorders

Pain Syndromes

Dysautonomia

Cognition

CO2 Depletion

Wellness & Prevention

uniqueness

Who We Are Not

We are not affiliated with any online breathing method, pseudo-scientific books, or short-term workshops. Our practice does not endorse hyperventilation techniques, deep breathing exercises, altered nostril breathing, rapid forced breathing, breath-holding strategies, or cold water immersion.

Unlike practices such as meditation, yoga, or deep trance practices, our  approach is grounded in scientific, evidence-based respiratory therapy, focusing on functional breathing rehabilitation rather than breath manipulation to alter consciousness.  

At Respiras, we prioritize individualized care, addressing both acute and chronic medical conditions with clinically proven rehabilitation strategies. Our therapy model follows  established medical and rehabilitation standards, ensuring safe effective treatment to improve respiratory health.   

SCIENCE-BACKED BREATHING 

Who We Are 

CONSULTING | TRAINING | EDUCATION

At Respiras, we provide consultative pulmonary-neurological occupational therapy, focusing on dysfunctional breathing and autonomic nervous system stress overload.

We identify and correct unstable breathing patterns with low CO2 levels, which can cause or conbribute to respiratory, neurological, cardiovascular, psychiatric, and gastrointestinal issues. 

Our goal is to help patients break free from hidden dysfunctional breathing  patterns and stress-driven habits that contribute to chronic disease and activity limitations, empowering them to regain control of their health and well-being. 

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Since 2009, we provide quality of care to our valued clients.

15

Years of experience

We are creating change, transformation, and breakthroughs

 

Memberships

Recovery From Lyme's

Recovery From Lyme's

"I have rediscovered the joy of living without chronic fatigue, exhaustion, mental fog, anxiety, and stress. Thank you, Roberto, for giving me back my health, energy, and happiness!

Pat O

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Our Location

Contact Us

Our Location
Sisters Grove Pavilion
6011 East Woodmen Road
Suite 300
Colorado Springs, CO 80923
Mountain Standard Time
(719) 387-8389
Our fax number
(888) 391-5189
Toll free number
(800) 667-1798
HEART PALPITATIONS

HEART PALPITATIONS

"I tried anxiety medication, supplements, and saw several doctors and health practitioners including two different cardiologists who were willing to prescribe medication but nothing eased my symptoms. After a few years of trying different remedies that did not work, I was given Roberto’s name...

Laura A.

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