The Diaphragm, the Vagus Nerve and Functional Gut Symptoms - Sydney 2027

CPE: 12 CPE points

Catering: All tickets now include morning tea and lunch. Please advise of any dietary requirements when booking your ticket. ATMS can only guarantee your dietary requirements will be catered for with at least 7 days notice.

Functional gastrointestinal disorders such as IBS, reflux, bloating, functional abdominal pain and stress-related digestive symptoms are increasingly recognised as complex conditions involving dysregulation of the gut-brain axis, autonomic nervous system function, visceral hypersensitivity and altered musculoskeletal and breathing patterns. 

While nutritional, herbal and lifestyle approaches remain essential components of naturopathic care, many patients continue to experience persistent symptoms despite appropriate treatment. Emerging evidence suggests that dysfunctional breathing patterns, diaphragm dysfunction, altered thoracoabdominal mechanics and chronic autonomic activation may play an important but often overlooked role in the perpetuation of functional digestive symptoms. 

This practical one-day workshop introduces naturopaths to an evidence-informed Integrative Breathing Therapy framework for assessing and addressing breathing dysfunction in patients with functional gut disorders. Participants will explore the biochemical, biomechanical and psychophysiological dimensions of breathing dysfunction and their relationship to digestive symptoms including IBS, reflux, bloating, pelvic floor dysfunction and functional upper abdominal syndromes. 

The workshop combines current research with clinically applicable assessment and treatment approaches that can be integrated into naturopathic practice immediately.

Outcomes:
By attending this webinar, participants will:

• Describe the relationship between breathing dysfunction, autonomic regulation and functional gastrointestinal disorders.  

• Explain the role of the diaphragm, thoracoabdominal pressure regulation and breathing mechanics in digestive function.  

• Identify common dysfunctional breathing patterns associated with IBS, reflux, bloating and stress-related digestive symptoms.  

• Recognise the biochemical, biomechanical and psychophysiological dimensions of breathing dysfunction.  

• Conduct simple observational breathing assessments relevant to functional gut disorders.  

Presenter: Dr. Rosalba Courtney

Dr. Rosalba Courtney is an osteopath, naturopath, researcher, author, and teacher with over 40 years of clinical experience, deeply respected for her expertise integrating osteopathy, naturopathy, and breathing therapy. After earning her PhD from RMIT University for research on dysfunctional breathing, Dr. Courtney became internationally recognized for her pioneering work in the promotion of personalized, evidence-based breathing therapies as a healing tool for mind and body.

Dr. Courtney is passionate about combining breathing, mind-body techniques, and other holistic health practices to help patients achieve optimal health. She developed Integrative Breathing Therapy (IBT), a multidimensional, person-centered system for assessing and retraining breathing, which considers the unique needs of each individual. Dr. Courtney lectures widely in Australia and overseas, training health practitioners across many fields, including naturopathy, about breathing therapy’s practical and scientific foundations.

Her workshops and programs support both adults and children in managing stress, anxiety, sleep-disordered breathing, respiratory conditions, and musculoskeletal pain, emphasizing holistic approaches that align closely with naturopathic values. Dr. Courtney’s ongoing research and education initiatives continue to shape integrative healthcare practices worldwide.

Cancellation: If it is deemed that a seminar is not viable, it may be postponed or cancelled by ATMS.

Please note that it is not permissible to bring children to ATMS seminars.