William Garner Sutherland, the father of Osteopathy, called the intelligence permeating the whole the "Breath of Life", or Primary Respiration. He distinguished it from Secondary Respiration (or diaphragmatic breathing) because he eventually found in his sessions with clients that it was an experience of this original dynamic potency, or Breath of Life, that healed.

The Breath of Life is simply a term to describe the self-regulating principle that bestows us with vitality. It is always present, though often overlooked or compromised. When we do take the time to listen to and engage our body, we see that this force is constantly at work within us, supporting and sustaining us. Through bodywork, we become more attuned to this intelligence and live our lives with more fluidity, awareness, and joy.

This self-organizing potency of our wholeness can reset our system when neutrals are found. Often in a session, this neutral is followed by a deep inhalation - what we call an "ignition." Deeper breathing is a sign of greater health and of a system in touch with the Breath of Life.