5.0 on Google In clinic, Nelson NZ Online worldwide
Breathing Educator · Buteyko Practitioner
Can breathing retraining help you?
Most people don't realise their breathing pattern is making them feel worse. These are the everyday issues we work with — in clinic or online.
Anxiety, stress & panic
→
Asthma & allergies
→
Snoring & sleep apnoea
→
Nasal congestion & sinusitis
→
Chronic cough & infections
→
Reduced cognitive function
→
Headaches & migraine
→
Public speaking & singing
→
Sports performance
→
Client stories
Real change. In their own words.
4.9· Google Reviews · 38 verified clients
"With how much the course has done for me it was 100% worth every cent. I am living on top of the world right now — my work is going amazing, more successful at sport than I've been in years, personal life is great. I've…"
Zaq Muru
Seizures · Sleep · Sport · 27
"I felt like I couldn't get enough air and I couldn't work out why or what to do about it. It was getting worse over time. My symptoms were impacting every aspect of my life and I was desperate for help. This course has b…"
Viv Hazelton
Breathlessness · 74, Picton
"Absolutely worth every dollar and the time put into this! It has achieved exactly what I was hoping for in that I am now far less impacted by my asthma and almost off my medication. I am sleeping a lot better with a heal…"
Ron Beernink
Asthma · Snoring
"I was having difficulty sleeping (snoring), waking up tired, struggling with managing stress and generally feeling tired all day and struggling to concentrate. Within 1 week of starting the course I had an improved feeli…"
Rowan Puklowski
Sleep · Anxiety · Energy
"The course was a great investment and I would definitely recommend it to others! I had asthma and shortness of breath and breathed through my mouth. I was on Symbicort and Ventolin and after 10 days on the course I no lo…"
Pam Edwards
Asthma · Sleep
"This course was absolutely worth the time and every penny — it saved my life. I came to Nicky with a set of symptoms she was able to help resolve as well as highlight other underlying issues. I am now able to breathe fre…"
Emma Hodgkinson
Anxiety · PTSD · 26, Nelson
"I literally cannot praise Nicky enough. I had tachycardia, extreme fatigue, dizziness, anxiety and poor sleep. I had to take a career break because I was too unwell to work. From the commencement of the course to the 6 w…"
Kelly Quiney
Fatigue · Tachycardia · Anxiety
"Relearning to breathe has made an enormous positive change in my life — I have been well for the longest period I can ever remember! I came off my preventer asthma inhaler within weeks of attending the course and haven't…"
Rachel Canning
Asthma · 46, Taupo
"Since I started the course with Nicky I do not use Allersoothe or any other medication at all. My allergy symptoms are gone except very mild symptoms if windy. I am so happy about my quality of sleep — since my first tra…"
Julia Fast
Asthma · Hay fever · 46
"I did the course to learn the benefits of breathing better to control anxiety and other health conditions. Learning to breathe through my nose instead of my mouth has been a huge benefit to my nasal vestibulitis which ha…"
Steve Hutchison
Anxiety · Nasal · 56, Christchurch
"I was impressed with the Buteyko course I did over Zoom. I always felt supported. After consistent practice I was able to improve my Control Pause from 10 to 25-30. Nicky is a great coach, very approachable and friendly,…"
Helen Sullivan
Air hunger · Chronic cough
"I was referred to the course by my doctor with multiple health problems including asthma, allergies, chronic fatigue and insomnia. I no longer need antihistamines and rarely get asthma symptoms despite taking considerabl…"
Lynda Rae
Asthma · Allergies · Fatigue
How it works
The Natural Flow
Want to improve your breathing? Here's how we'll do it — together.
Breathing Assessment
A 90-minute, one-on-one session where you uncover how your breathing may be contributing to your symptoms. You'll receive a written report and tailored recommendations. Most clients find this session valuable even if they don't move on to a course.
01
02
Follow-Up Call
A few days after your assessment, Nicky checks in with you by phone to see how you're doing and answer any questions. From there, you can decide if you want to go further.
Breathing Retraining Course
If you're ready, the next step is a full 5-session course (either in a small group or privately). Each session builds on the last — helping you retrain your breathing habits for long-term relief and better performance. A 60-minute private follow-up is included to measure progress and fine-tune your plan.
03
04
Awareness Coaching
Optional
Some clients choose to add 1:1 coaching sessions between or after course sessions for extra guidance, accountability, or help with complex breathing patterns. These are booked separately.
Workshops & Education
Optional
For health professionals or curious groups, Nicky offers workshops — online or in-person — focused on the science of breathing and how it connects to health and performance.
05
01
Breathing Assessment
A 90-minute, one-on-one session where you uncover how your breathing may be contributing to your symptoms. You'll receive a written report and tailored recommendations. Most clients find this session valuable even if they don't move on to a course.
02
Follow-Up Call
A few days after your assessment, Nicky checks in with you by phone to see how you're doing and answer any questions. From there, you can decide if you want to go further.
03
Breathing Retraining Course
If you're ready, the next step is a full 5-session course (either in a small group or privately). Each session builds on the last — helping you retrain your breathing habits for long-term relief and better performance. A 60-minute private follow-up is included to measure progress and fine-tune your plan.
04
Awareness Coaching
Optional
Some clients choose to add 1:1 coaching sessions between or after course sessions for extra guidance, accountability, or help with complex breathing patterns. These are booked separately.
05
Workshops & Education
Optional
For health professionals or curious groups, Nicky offers workshops — online or in-person — focused on the science of breathing and how it connects to health and performance.
The benefits
What's possible when you optimise your breathing pattern.
When you optimise your breathing pattern and address the habits and lifestyle factors behind it, the effects ripple into almost every part of daily life.
Improve your ability to manage stress
Greater calm, relaxation and wellbeing
Reduce your heart rate
Optimise cardiovascular health & circulation
Enhance immunity and resistance to viruses
Markedly upregulate your sleep quality
Noticeably increase your energy
Sharper memory, focus and concentration
Enhance your digestion
Reduce inflammation
Improve your posture
Better pain management
Reduce or eliminate need for medication
Improved sports performance & recovery
"It's amazed me in how many parts of my life it's touched. Honestly, I've become a great advocate for this work."
— Ross, 79, Dunedin
Practitioner
Nicky McLeod
About Nicky
A warm, practical guide to better breathing.
Nicky McLeod is an Associate Buteyko Practitioner and Breathing Educator based in Nelson, New Zealand. She works with people of all ages to gently retrain dysfunctional breathing patterns and resolve the symptoms that come with them.
Her approach is calm, personal and grounded in evidence — combining the Buteyko Method with lifestyle factors that influence breathing, energy and the nervous system. Sessions are available in clinic in Nelson or online via Zoom, anywhere in the world.
Every journey starts with a one-on-one assessment, where we listen closely, assess clearly, and begin tailoring care from day one.
Education That Empowers
You'll understand why your symptoms are happening — and what to do about them. No quick fixes, just practical tools and real insight.
Progress That Builds Over Time
Each step is designed to build on the last — giving your body time to adjust, respond, and improve in a sustainable way.
In-Person or Online — Your Choice
Appointments are available from the Nelson clinic or via Zoom — privately or in small groups that suit your schedule and comfort.
Holistic, Supportive, Human
We meet you where you're at, whether you're ready for a course or just need one clear next step. It's not just about breathing — it's about feeling better, long-term.
Learn more about our services
Breathing Assessment
We'll work with you to understand your symptoms and breathing behaviour. Through the assessment, you'll gain valuable insights into your breathing and health.
Awareness is basic to identifying a habit and replacing it with a new habit. Coaching involves self-observation, self-exploration and guided breathing.
Our interactive workshops for small groups cover the scientific basis for breathing retraining, how it helps breathing-related disorders and how assessments are done.
A few of the questions we hear most often. Can't find what you're looking for?
See all FAQs
Free Download
Free guide reveals 10 common breathing myths that could be affecting you
In this guide we address some key myths and misunderstandings around breathing — so you can start noticing what's helping and what's quietly holding you back.
Get started
Ready to breathe easier?
Book a Breathing Assessment with Nicky — in clinic in Nelson, or online from anywhere in the world. One conversation can change how you feel every day.
