During breathwork you are intentionally speeding up or slowing down your breath. By slowing down your breath and your exhale, you send signals to the body and brain that turn off the fight or flight response and stress hormones, and you are able to move into a state of rest. This signals safety and feelings of harmony and connection. This means that you are healing the body first and creating a state of homeostasis (balance) in the body; this state of homeostasis fosters safety and connection, which in turn sends signals to the brain of safety and connection.
By intentionally increasing your inhales and breath, you are also allowing more oxygen to enter your body, clearing out the CO2 and toxins, and allowing the body to regenerate itself and its cells. This promotes healthy organ function as well as a release of any old energy, patterns, or trauma that may be stuck in the body.
Both intentionally speeding up and slowing down the breath can be deeply healing and transformative; through the breath you are literally able to heal your own bodies and live in more of a state of peace and safety.
Breathwork has been around for centuries, originating from India, China, Japan, and Tibet. It has been used in yoga, as you may have heard of Breath of Fire, 4-7-8 breath, Alternate Nostril Breathing, and Deep Abdominal Breathing.
Other kinds of Breathwork include Holotropic Breathwork, Integral Breathwork, Rebirthing Breathwork, Reichian Breathwork, Shamanic Breathwork, and Vivation Breathwork, just to name a few.
Many forms of Breathwork have been practiced, and today, Breathwork has become mainstream in the Western world and is a powerful self-healing technique used to reduce anxiety, connect to self, transform, and live more joyful, peaceful and harmonious lives.
Yes, Breathwork is safe for everyone!
You can’t overdose on Breathwork, and if you ever feel unsafe or too activated, you can always stop and go back to your normal breath.
*If you have or have had a history of the following: angina, cardiovascular disease, heart attack, high blood pressure, glaucoma, retinal detachment, osteoporosis, seizure disorders, recent injury or surgery, any condition for which you take regular medications, history of panic attacks, psychosis, or disturbances, severe untreated mental illness, family history of aneurysms, frequent dizziness or vertigo, or are currently pregnant, you may want to contact your physician before engaging in Breathwork.
Breathwork can help with MANY things – whether you’re looking to calm your anxiety and reduce stress, have more connection with yourself, in your relationships, and with source/God/the Universe/The Divine, release trauma and old patterns, and in general transform some part of your life, Breathwork is for you!
For a more complete list and explanation, please see the page “Key Benefits of Breathwork”
You can do either! In a shorter session, many people will do the session sitting up. In a longer session, usually around 40-60min, most people prefer to lay down. This allows you to really go “deep” into the session and relax more.
There is not one “right” way to do Breathwork – most important is what makes you feel comfortable and safe.
Here are some general guidelines on how to prepare for your Breathwork Session:
- If online, make sure you set up a space where you can lay down or be sitting and I can see you in the camera
- Have an empty or nearly empty stomach (light meal is OK but probably don’t eat a burger before – the session won’t be as enjoyable :))
- Eye mask if you want to block out the light.
- A blanket – there are often temperature changes, so this can come in handy!
- Anything that helps you feel grounded – essential oils, incense, crystals or stones, etc.
- A journal – I will leave space at the end to share (if you feel comfortable!) or you’re welcome to journal any insights, thoughts, and ideas that come to you during the session
- Have an open heart and mind <3