In this episode of the Take a Deep Breath podcast, host Mike Mayer interviews Anders Olsson, a renowned breathwork expert featured in Breath by James Nestor. They discuss the often-overlooked role of CO2 in health, from breathing techniques to CO2 bathing and therapy, and how carbon dioxide can be a powerful ally for relaxation, focus, and physical health.
Understanding Carbon Dioxide & Its Role in the Body
While oxygen is often emphasized in health discussions, carbon dioxide (CO2) plays an equally vital role. It helps with:
✅ Regulating breathing and oxygen delivery
✅ Improving circulation and relaxation of muscles
✅ Enhancing cognitive function and stress resilience
✅ Supporting metabolism and reducing cravings
Anders Olsson explores how increasing CO2 levels naturally and safely through breathing exercises, therapy, and CO2 baths can bring remarkable benefits.
1. CO2 & The Science of Breathing
Why CO2 is Crucial for Healthy Breathing
Most people believe that deep breathing means taking in more oxygen. However, the true key to optimal breathing lies in the right balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide. CO2 is essential for:
- Oxygen Absorption – The Bohr Effect explains that oxygen is released more efficiently when CO2 is present in the blood.
- Breathing Control – Low CO2 levels cause over-breathing, leading to dizziness, stress, and anxiety.
- Relaxation – CO2 activates the parasympathetic nervous system, helping the body calm down.
How to Increase CO2 Tolerance Through Breathing
Anders suggests specific breathing techniques to train the body to retain CO2, including:
✅ Nasal breathing – Always breathe through the nose for better CO2 retention and oxygenation.
✅ Slow, controlled exhalations – Extending the exhale helps maintain CO2 levels.
✅ CO2 Training Devices – Tools like the Relaxator (designed by Anders) help regulate breath patterns.
Case Study: In a famous breathing experiment, Anders and author James Nestor blocked their noses for 10 days. The result? Increased stress, anxiety, and poor sleep—all due to CO2 loss from mouth breathing. When they resumed nasal breathing, their health and energy quickly rebounded.
2. CO2 Bathing & Skin Absorption: The Hidden Secret to Longevity?
What is a CO2 Bath?
CO2 bathing involves immersing the skin in carbonated water, allowing CO2 to absorb through the skin. This method has been used for over a century to promote:
✅ Better circulation – CO2 helps dilate blood vessels, improving oxygen flow.
✅ Skin health – Makes skin softer, smoother, and more youthful.
✅ Muscle recovery – Reduces inflammation and speeds up healing.
How to Create a CO2 Bath at Home
Anders shares a simple way to create your own CO2 bath using baking soda and citric acid:
1️⃣ Fill a bathtub with warm water.
2️⃣ Add sodium bicarbonate (baking soda).
3️⃣ Add an acidic agent (e.g., citric acid or vinegar) to trigger CO2 release.
4️⃣ Immerse your face or body in the carbonated water for about 6 minutes.
Case Study: Historical records show CO2 baths were used in medicine as early as 1905. Doctors observed remarkable improvements in patients with circulatory disorders, wound healing, and even anxiety.
3. The Relaxator: A CO2 Training Device for Better Breathing
What is the Relaxator?
The Relaxator is a small device that helps regulate exhalation speed, ensuring better CO2 retention.
Benefits of Using the Relaxator
✅ Enhances lung function by slowing down exhalation
✅ Improves sleep by preventing hyperventilation
✅ Reduces stress through rhythmic breathing
How to Use It
1️⃣ Inhale through the nose.
2️⃣ Exhale through the Relaxator, adjusting resistance as needed.
3️⃣ Use for 10-15 minutes per day for best results.
Case Study: Clients with sleep apnea, panic attacks, and chronic stress have reported significant improvements in relaxation and breathing efficiency after using the Relaxator.
4. CO2 Therapy: A Forgotten Medical Breakthrough
Historical Use of CO2 Therapy
Before oxygen therapy became mainstream, hospitals and emergency responders used CO2 therapy for:
✅ Pneumonia – CO2 improved lung function and oxygen absorption.
✅ Firefighter recovery – CO2 helped remove carbon monoxide from the body.
✅ Panic attacks – Inhaled CO2 was used to prevent hyperventilation and anxiety.
Study Highlight: Research from the early 1900s showed that 95% of patients undergoing CO2 therapy for breathing disorders and circulation problems saw dramatic improvements.
Modern CO2 Applications
- Carbonated water therapy for muscle recovery
- CO2 inhalation training for better lung capacity
- Rectal and vaginal CO2 treatments (historically used for medical therapy)
5. CO2 & Physical Performance: A Natural Performance Booster
How CO2 Enhances Strength & Endurance
CO2 plays a direct role in muscle efficiency by:
✅ Increasing oxygen supply to muscles
✅ Reducing muscle fatigue
✅ Improving balance and coordination
Case Study: Anders conducted a balance test comparing mouth breathing vs. nasal breathing:
- With mouth breathing, he lost balance 120 times over 20 minutes.
- With nasal breathing, he lost balance only 20 times—a sixfold improvement!
Push-up Experiment: 50% of people tested improved their push-up count immediately after CO2 training.
6. The Connection Between CO2, Metabolism, and Cravings
CO2’s Impact on Sugar Cravings
CO2 plays a role in regulating metabolism and cravings. In Anders’ experiment:
- After blocking nasal breathing, cravings for sugar, alcohol, and junk food skyrocketed.
- Once nasal breathing was restored, cravings disappeared.
✅ CO2 influences hormonal regulation and glucose metabolism.
✅ Higher CO2 levels may help reduce emotional eating and cravings.
Key Insight: If you’re struggling with sugar addiction or emotional cravings, optimizing CO2 levels may help regulate these urges.
Final Thoughts: Should You Try CO2 Therapy?
Anders Olsson’s work suggests that carbon dioxide is not just a waste gas—it’s an essential component of health, relaxation, and longevity.
Key Takeaways
✔️ Nasal breathing and slow exhalation boost CO2 levels and enhance oxygen absorption.
✔️ CO2 baths rejuvenate the skin, improve circulation, and relax muscles.
✔️ The Relaxator and other CO2 training techniques enhance lung function and stress resilience.
✔️ CO2 therapy was widely used in medicine before being forgotten, and modern science is rediscovering its benefits.
Would You Try CO2 Training?
With mounting evidence supporting CO2’s role in health and wellness, could this be the missing piece in your breathing practice?
Let me know if you’d like more step-by-step guides or exercises for implementing CO2 breathing techniques! 😊