Send us a text

What if five minutes of the right breathing could calm a racing heart, clear morning fog, and steady your balance after a concussion? Dr. Ayla Wolf sits down with chiropractic neurologist Dr. Jonathan Chung to unpack the science and the how-to of using breath as a lever for healing. We dig into why the brainstem’s respiratory centers are vulnerable in acceleration-deceleration injuries like concussions, how dysautonomia and anxiety reshape breathing patterns, and where slow, resonance-frequency breathing fits into a practical recovery plan.

You’ll hear how breathing can be assessed in the clinic—spotting neck-driven, shallow mechanics, rib asymmetry, and diaphragm tension. Dr. Chung explains why he often starts care with HRV biofeedback and a simple 4–6 pacing strategy, then builds tolerance gently for POTS patients or anyone prone to overstimulation. The focus is on the exhale: longer, controlled exhales increase vagal tone, reduce resting tachycardia, and give patients an immediate tool to interrupt spiraling anxiety.

We also explore nasal breathing’s cognitive advantages, the role of CO2 tolerance in air hunger, and how mindful breath practices enhance cortical entrainment and neuroplasticity. From manual care to improve rib motion, to five-minute daily routines that create durable habits, the theme is empowerment. Control your breath to influence your physiology, stabilize your autonomics, and unlock clearer thinking and calmer days during concussion recovery.

If this conversation helps, subscribe, share it with someone navigating post-concussion symptoms, and leave a review so others can find these tools too.

Dr. Jonathan Chung: website

Instagram: @drjonathanchung

Tik Tok: @drjonathanchung

For healthcare providers - continuing education course: The Neuroscience of Breathwork

REGISTER for the online global Love Your Brain Summit on March 20th-22th 2026: https://www.loveyourbrain.com/summit

Get 20% off your first order of Puori protein with code LIFEAFTERIMPACT by following this link.

Support the show

Dr. Wolf's book Concussion Breakthrough: Discover the Missing Pieces of Concussion Recovery is now available on Amazon!

What topics do you want to hear more about? What questions do you have? Email us at lifeafterimpact@gmail.com

Follow us on Instagram @lifeafterimpact

Website: lifeafterimpact.com

Medical disclaimer: this video or podcast is for general informational purposes only, and does not constitute the practice of medicine or other professional healthcare services, including the giving of medical advice. No doctor patient relationship is formed. The use of this information and materials included is at the user's own risk. The content of this video or podcast is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice diagnosis or treatment. Consumers of this information should seek the advice of a medical professional for any and all health related issues.