Chronic asthma can feel like a life sentence, leaving individuals constantly struggling for breath and limiting their ability to live life fully. For one man in his 60s, years of living with this debilitating condition left him feeling hopeless. But thanks to the Spinal Flow Technique and Debra Marshman, founder of Open Gates Spinal Flow, his journey took a life-changing turn—healing his asthma and reclaiming his freedom.

The Struggle: Chronic Asthma and the Daily Battle for Breath

When Debra first met her client, he could barely walk through the door without gasping for air. “He was so breathless when he arrived,” Debra recalls. “I thought he had run to get there, but he hadn’t—it was just his daily reality.”

His asthma had reached a point where simple activities were overwhelming. Debra watched as he had to rest just to catch his breath before even getting on the treatment table. This was a man who had been living with this condition for years, and despite medical interventions, he felt trapped in a body that was failing him.

Doctors had prescribed medications for his asthma, but when they saw little improvement, they began suggesting antidepressants. “He was low, very low,” Debra shares. “But he knew that wasn’t the path he wanted to take—he didn’t want to go further into a downward spiral.”

Transforming Asthma Symptoms with the Spinal Flow Technique

The first few sessions were challenging, as Debra’s client needed time to catch his breath before lying down. But soon, the impact of the Spinal Flow Technique began to show. By his second visit, he could walk in and lie down without pausing. By the third session, the transformation was even more apparent—he walked in, sat down with ease, and no longer needed any breaks.

“The improvements were incredible,” Debra says. “Every week, he was getting stronger, and his breath was more stable. By the end, he told me he felt completely well—no asthma at all. It was like he was a new person.”

Debra helped clear the blockages that were restricting the nerves connected to his lungs. By restoring the natural flow of healing energy through his spine, his asthma symptoms gradually disappeared. “He’s back to living his life—working, moving freely, and no longer afraid of the next attack,” Debra shares with joy. “He’s walking tall again, and that’s the most amazing thing to witness.”

The Connection Between the Spine and Breath

Dr Carli Axford, the founder of the Spinal Flow Technique, emphasises the powerful connection between the spine and the body’s vital functions. “People often ask why spinal work would impact conditions like asthma, but it’s all about the central gateway of the body—the spine,” she explains. “The thoracic spine, for example, is where the nerves branch out to support the lungs and the heart.”

When blockages form due to stress—whether physical, chemical, or emotional—they create interference that affects the body’s ability to function properly. In cases like Debra’s client, these blockages can restrict the lungs, making it difficult to breathe.

“What’s incredible is how quickly the body responds when you start to release these blockages,” Dr. Carli Axford shares. “The Spinal Flow Technique helps the body tap into its natural ability to heal by removing the interference and allowing the life force to flow freely.

How Chronic Conditions Affect More Than the Body

Chronic asthma doesn’t just affect breathing; it impacts every aspect of life, including emotional and mental well-being. For Debra’s client, the constant struggle for breath had led to a sense of helplessness and fear. “He was living in a state of anxiety, not knowing when the next attack might come,” Debra recalls. “That level of uncertainty takes a huge emotional toll.”

Dr. Carli Axford highlights how the body’s physical state is deeply connected to emotional health. “When someone’s breathing is restricted, it’s not just their physical health that suffers. The chest and heart area are also emotional centres, and when they’re blocked, it can lead to feelings of fear, anxiety, and depression.

By working through the Spinal Flow Technique, Debra not only helped her client heal physically but also supported him in regaining his confidence and emotional balance. “He felt empowered again, like he had his life back. That’s what makes this work so special.”

Your Body’s Innate Intelligence

At the heart of the Spinal Flow Technique is a belief in the body’s innate ability to heal. “Your body has everything it needs to heal itself,” Dr Carli Axford emphasises. “When you remove the interference and allow the life force to flow freely, the body can restore itself naturally.”

Debra’s client is a powerful example of this. By working with his body’s natural intelligence, they were able to move beyond the limitations of chronic asthma and unlock a new level of health and vitality.