When Sasha Yakovleva, an Advanced Buteyko Breathing Specialist, first began working with a little girl from India named Mahathi, the child was very ill. She suffered from severe ear infections, allergies, enlarged adenoids and other health challenges that made her everyday life difficult. Thankfully, Mahathi’s mother was deeply committed to improving her daughter’s health naturally, and together, they turned to the Buteyko Breathing Method for help. However, the journey was anything but easy. Even simple breathing exercises or basic movements would immediately trigger Mahathi’s symptoms, primarily ear pain. Sasha relied on one essential Buteyko tool to boost CO2 and begin the healing process: relaxation, the foundation of the method.
Sasha Yakovleva works with Mahathi on relaxation.
In their very first session, Sasha introduced Mahathi to a playful technique she called the “ear dance.” This heartwarming moment, captured in a video clip above, shows how Sasha creatively connected with Mahathi, engaging her with joy and care. The “ear dance” involved a gentle self-massage around the ears, which helped Mahathi relax while increasing blood circulation to the area. This simple, playful exercise became the key to helping her feel better and prepare for the breathing exercises she would soon be able to perform.
Little by little, Mahathi began to improve. With Sasha’s guidance and her mother’s tireless efforts to practice the method consistently, Mahathi made steady progress. Soon, she was able to perform more Buteyko exercises, regaining her energy and vitality along the way. After just a few sessions, Mahathi mastered the art of silent nasal breathing, which significantly reduced her symptoms and allowed her to start living a more active and joyful life.
As Mahathi grew stronger, her transformation became even more evident. She could combine fast movements with healthy nasal breathing, boosting her CO2 levels without any discomfort. Her progress was beautifully captured in a video sent to Sasha by Mahathi’s mother, showing the young girl moving quickly and effortlessly, breathing through her nose without any issues—something that once seemed impossible.
Later, Mahathi also mastered the ability to inhale nasally and silently while talking. She demonstrated and taught this difficult technique in the following video:
Sasha always felt that Mahathi’s name was no coincidence. In Hindi, “maha” means “great,” and Sasha saw in Mahathi a Great Soul—possibly a reincarnated Sage. Mahathi’s strength and resilience were truly remarkable, and as she started to feel better, she turned her attention outward, focusing on helping others and the planet.
With her newfound energy, Mahathi deepened her compassion for animals and nature. She and her mother adopted several birds and animals, something Mahathi always wanted to do but couldn’t because of her allergies. Together, they also built a small pool and waterfall in their backyard, giving Mahathi a place to do cold plunges, play with water, and connect with nature as part of her Tempering program.
Mahathi’s journey didn’t stop with her physical transformation. She embraced a plant-based lifestyle, motivated by her love for animals and her desire to protect the planet. She stopped eating animal-based foods and began growing and eating organic fruits and vegetables. At just nine years old, Mahathi is already deeply committed to sustainability and is learning to live in harmony with the Earth, combining joy with purpose.
“What a privilege it has been to know Mahathi and to be a part of her healing journey,” Sasha reflects. She is truly a Great Being, living a life full of meaning, fun, and joy.”
Mahathi’s Buteyko journey isn’t over—she is still working toward achieving optimal health. While she has already come so far, her path of growth and healing is ongoing. Sasha eagerly looks forward to seeing how Mahathi continues to build her strength, energy, confidence, and clarity, fueled by her Buteyko breathing practice and the benefits of a high level of CO2 (or prana). She has no doubt that Mahathi’s future holds incredible possibilities not only for her but for everyone around this Great Being.
Mahathi’s story is one of resilience, love, and inspiration. It is a powerful reminder that with the right tools, compassionate guidance, and unwavering support, even the most difficult challenges can be transformed into extraordinary achievements.
