Speaking
News
In the Media
Press & Media
April 2, 2025
The Breathing IQ is a new anthropometric index that grades diaphragmatic breathing efficiency (A to F) by measuring breathing range of motion and where the movement originates, filling a gap in assessment tools that treat breathing dysfunction as mechanical rather than only as hyperventilation. Across 384 people assessed before and after a single 90-minute session of five corrective exercises, 89.5% of those not already grading an A improved, F grades fell from 64.8% to 5.2%, and mean breath hold rose from approximately 37 to 66 seconds. The authors present it as preliminary evidence that the BIQ works as a screening tool for mechanical breathing dysfunction.
News
August 24, 2026
Beginning November 2026, second-year medical students will complete a four-session clinical selective at the practice through the Family Medicine Department. The selective covers diaphragmatic breathing mechanics, recognition of dysfunctional breathing patterns, the evidence base for breathwork as an autonomic regulation tool, cold water immersion as a controlled practice stressor, and cueing correct breathing at the bedside.
"The Breathing IQ: An Anthropometric Index of Diaphragmatic Breathing Efficiency" published in Frontiers in Physiology.
Ice Bath Boston & Breath named a clinical selective site for Tufts University School of Medicine
October 10, 2025
The Hybrid Letter spoke with her about the science behind cold exposure, how to use it effectively, and why recovery isn’t one-size-fits-all.
"Freeze, breathe, recover: The new science of performance" article in the hybrid letter
spotify
spotify
Mar 5, 2026
Dr James Alder talks with Rachel about how trauma leaves the autonomic nervous system stuck in survival mode, and what breathing can do about it. She explains how structured breathwork drives parasympathetic recovery, improves vagal tone, and helps people reconnect with their bodies in a controlled way. Imperative listening if you work with anxiety, stress, or emotional regulation.
"Breathwork for Nervous system regulation" episode on the Trauma, Training, and transformation podcast with dr. james alder
July 2, 2026
Ice baths and cold plunges have become one of the fastest-growing trends in recovery and human performance, taken up by athletes, veterans, emergency service personnel, and people just trying to manage stress. On this episode of Trauma, Training & Transformation, host Dr James Alder sits down with Rachel Lee to separate the research from the hype on cold water immersion and mental health. Alder, a Chartered Psychologist, also discusses his own work with Petersfield Rugby Club on post-match immersion and DOMS, where recovery outcomes were positive while the mental health evidence remains mixed.
In the Media
October 2, 2026
Rachel Lee co-leads the Fundamentals of Longevity retreat at Kripalu, teaching breathing mechanics and controlled cold exposure as practical tools for autonomic regulation.
Fundamentals of Longevity retreat, Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health
The hybrid letter
"Freeze, breathe, recover: The new science of performance" article in the hybrid letter
spotify
October 10, 2025
The Hybrid Letter spoke with her about the science behind cold exposure, how to use it effectively, and why recovery isn’t one-size-fits-all.
spotify
Mar 5, 2026
Dr James Alder talks with Rachel about how trauma leaves the autonomic nervous system stuck in survival mode, and what breathing can do about it. She explains how structured breathwork drives parasympathetic recovery, improves vagal tone, and helps people reconnect with their bodies in a controlled way. Imperative listening if you work with anxiety, stress, or emotional regulation.
"Breathwork for Nervous system regulation" episode on the Trauma, Training, and transformation podcast with dr. james alder
July 2, 2026
Ice baths and cold plunges have become one of the fastest-growing trends in recovery and human performance, taken up by athletes, veterans, emergency service personnel, and people just trying to manage stress. On this episode of Trauma, Training & Transformation, host Dr James Alder sits down with Rachel Lee to separate the research from the hype on cold water immersion and mental health. Alder, a Chartered Psychologist, also discusses his own work with Petersfield Rugby Club on post-match immersion and DOMS, where recovery outcomes were positive while the mental health evidence remains mixed.
In the Media
October 2, 2026
Rachel Lee co-leads the Fundamentals of Longevity retreat at Kripalu, teaching breathing mechanics and controlled cold exposure as practical tools for autonomic regulation.
"Ice baths for anxiety" episode on the Trauma, Training, and transformation podcast with dr. james alder
Fundamentals of Longevity retreat, Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health
inquiries
Please email all requests to hello@icebathboston.com
- Experiential workshops incorporating breathwork and/or cold water immersion
- Interviews and expert comment for print, broadcast, and podcasts
- Conference keynotes and panels
- Continuing education and clinician training sessions
- Retreat teaching
Formats
- Breathwork for nervous system regulation
- Breathing mechanics and dysfunctional breathing patterns
- Cold water immersion: what the evidence supports and what it does not
- Autonomic regulation and stress physiology
- Where nervous system regulation tools fit alongside clinical care
- Teaching breathwork to clinicians and medical trainees
*Rachel Lee is a coach and researcher, not a licensed mental health clinician. She does not comment on diagnosis, treatment, or individual medical cases.
Speaking
Rachel Lee is the founder of Ice Bath Boston & Breath and Resilience Ventures. She is a co-author of research published in Frontiers in Physiology on measuring diaphragmatic breathing efficiency and primary inventor a patent measuring nervous system regulation in cold water immersion for mental health. Her practice is a clinical selective site for Tufts University School of Medicine, where she teaches breathing mechanics to second-year medical students. She has delivered more than 3,200 hours of one-to-one coaching, co-leads the Fundamentals of Longevity retreat at Kripalu, and trained in biology at Villanova University before earning a master's in education.