
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
Occupational Therapist | Founder of Respiras
The Founder’s Story
Hi, and thank you for your interest in Respiras. If you are here, you are searching for answers.
Breathing has always fascinated me. It is the only system in the body that can influence every other system at once. This can become a problem when stress and dysfunction take over, but it can also be a remarkable advantage. When guided with awareness and precision, breathing becomes an instrument that can rewire the body and mind to heal naturally through the body’s own intelligence.
I believe the body is designed to heal. I am not afraid to sound different for saying so. Some have told me that helping people become independent is not the best business model, but that is exactly what I strive for. My goal is not to keep you in therapy; it is to help you move forward, confident and free.
Health is not only about managing disease. It is about nurturing joy, energy, gratitude, and hope for the future. I believe we can create new stories of success by rediscovering how powerful your physiology truly is and how it is designed to heal itself.
My office is a space for reflection, discovery, collaboration, and infinite possibilities. Together, we explore new ways to help you improve how you function, achieve your goals, and regain confidence in your body’s potential. Sometimes you simply need encouragement and a gentle push to help you see what is possible beyond the obstacles in front of you.
I am never in a rush. I want to understand your situation and see how we can resolve your concerns. This approach may seem atypical, and it is rare because we live in a world driven by productivity, quotas, and margins. Not here. I practice with the intent to understand, heal, and restore.
Our one-on-one encounters support a holistic approach dedicated to you. The energy that unfolds in this work fuels new ideas, creativity, and imagination. It is within that space of presence and connection that healing and restoration begin to unfold.
Breathing is the most stabilizing and transformative force we have. I have never been more certain of anything in my professional life. So lift your chin, take a breath, and come in to share your story.
Profile
- Masters degree in Applied Breathing Science
- Advanced training in respiratory biofeedback and autonomic regulation
- Over 15 years of clinical experience in stress physiology and rehabilitation
- Specialized expertise in pulmonary, neurological, and cardiovascular integration
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








