What is Breathwork?

Breathwork is a practice of intentional breathing. Much like meditation where you clear your mind and focus on the breath, breathwork is a similar practice that allows for more movements and rhythmic oral breathing.

What kind of movements are involve in Breathwork?

The movements within breathwork practices are called somatic movements. When you bring your awareness into the body, and move specific areas intentionally, you are able to release trauma that is stored in the body.

What is trauma?

Trauma is the lasting physical, emotional, and psychological impact caused by deeply distressing events that happen throughout life. Our body is impacted by societal, generational, and environmental trauma as well as personal horrific experiences. Contrary to popular belief, trauma is not only about your conscious and subconscious memories. Trauma is often stored in the body and causes us to restrict our breathing.

How does Breathwork work?

Breathwork encompasses rhythmic breathing patterns. Some are accelerated breaths and some are slow inhales & exhales. This activates the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system, which gives the body permission to process trauma. As the body takes in more oxygen it awakens the body's natural regenerative and restorative functions. During the session your body may feel tingly, pressure, spasms, itchy, or shaky. Allowing your body to move freely without stopping these sensations, gives the body space to process trauma and move energy. You may have the urge to kick your legs or rock your body, these are somatic movements. Which also help your body to process trauma and make space for healing.

What are the Benefits of Breathwork?

Breathwork strengthens the respiratory, cardiovascular, immune, digestion, reproductive, and nervous systems. It also helps to stabilize your mood. While breathwork does help with anxiety, depression, PTSD, and many other mental and physical disorders it is not a one stop healing shop. Breathwork is a wonderful practice to incorporate with weekly therapy, yoga, and holistic nutritional meals.

How will I feel after a Breathwork Session?

Unlike mediation which may take weeks to feel the benefits. With Breathwork you are likely to feel an immediate groundedness. Depending on the session you may feel energized, focused, relaxed, tender, or peaceful. Sometimes breathwork makes you more intune with your emotions so it may be a wonderful practice to journal after a session. Results may vary by how open you are to the practice and how much you allow yourself to feel.

Anything else I should know?

Breathwork also varies if you are taking antidepressants, antianxiety, or psychotropic medications. So check in with your breathwork facilitator if you have any questions about how certain medications may affect the breathwork experience.  

Written by Briana Rose