Jessica Wolf’s Art of Breathing
Breathing is as fundamental to life as the beating of our hearts.
For more than 45 years, I have helped people restore their natural breathing rhythms and psychophysical balance using a technique I developed called Jessica Wolf’s Art of Breathing. This practice promotes respiratory ease, vocal resilience, and overall psychophysical wellbeing.
Jessica Wolf’s Art of Breathing enables us to find freedom of breath, enhance physical mobility, achieve vocal clarity, and restore overall vitality.
ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE
I became a certified Alexander Teacher by AmSAT in 1977. Students interested in exploring the Alexander Technique come to me hoping to address issues involving athletic and artistic performance, muscular-skeletal pain, respiratory conditions, vocal fatigue, headaches, and anxiety. This work helps to release muscular tension, re-establishes connections among all parts of the body, and encourages improved breathing.
The Alexander Technique is a proven method of self-care, which increases ease of movement and alleviates pain caused by everyday misuse of the body. The technique was developed by F.M. Alexander (1869-1955), a Shakespearean actor famous for his dramatic recitations. During performances, he would become hoarse and eventually lose his voice. Doctors advised vocal rest, but as soon as he began performing, the problem would recur. Alexander took matters into his own hands and, through self-observation, identified patterns of misuse that restricted his breath. He eventually discovered a new way of movement, in which the head balances on the spine, the torso lengthens and widens, and the breath fuels freer sound. His system of observations and practices has since become internationally renowned as an effective method for reeducation of the mind and body.
CARL STOUGH / BREATHING COORDINATION
When I completed my Alexander Technique training in 1977, I wanted to further understand the breath. I turned to Carl Stough, a pioneer in the field of respiratory science, and studied with him for 20 years.
Carl Stough (1926-2000) developed “breathing coordination,” a method that promotes respiratory health by improving the function of the diaphragm. Through his work with emphysemic veterans, he proved how the excursion of weakened diaphragms can be re-developed to improve overall respiratory health. His work also demonstrated that even well-functioning diaphragms can be further developed. He worked with the US Olympic running team in 1968. They trained in high altitude and were the only team that didn’t need to be given oxygen after competing. Stough also worked with opera singers to recover breathing coordination lost during strenuous international tours.
WORK WITH ME
My work helps to release muscular tension, re-establishes connections among all parts of the body, and encourages improved breathing. Students come to me to address issues involving athletic and artistic performance, muscular-skeletal pain, respiratory conditions, vocal fatigue, headaches, and anxiety.
I teach private lessons at my studio in Union Square and occasionally over Zoom. Lessons are geared toward the individual needs of each student.
“The key to coordinated breathing is an easy exhalation, which prompts a full and easy inhalation.” – Jessica Wolf
I created Jessica Wolf’s Art of Breathing by integrating principles and procedures developed from my work in respiratory science and education. Its development was largely informed by the Alexander Technique and Carl Stough’s Breathing Coordination.