what is breathwork?
breathwork is a term that encompasses a range of breathing exercises designed to enhance physical, spiritual and mental health.
Breathwork holds tremendous potential for enhancing your overall well-being, encompassing your mental, emotional, and physical states. Rooted in the ancient Indian practice of pranayama, breathwork encompasses a variety of breathing techniques.
If you're keen on incorporating breathwork into your daily routine, my Daily Practice offers a collection of free guided meditations. These meditations combine different pranayama techniques to support your practice and enrich your well-being. You can also find me on Insight Timer.
During my live classes, I primarily focus on Conscious Connected Breath (CCB). This technique follows a unique three-part breath pattern of two inhales and one exhale, inspired by the pranayama method known as Deerga Swasam. Notably, CCB is usually practiced through the mouth, distinguishing it from Deerga Swasam, which utilizes both the nose and mouth.
By engaging in mouth breathing, we activate the sympathetic nervous system, facilitating better responses to stressors. Moreover, this approach allows for increased oxygen intake, invigorating the body and releasing stagnant energy that may have been impeding emotional well-being.
Similar to meditation, breathwork aids in calming the mind and accessing deeper levels of consciousness. Through breathwork, you can identify and process emotions held within your body and mind, paving the way for transformative shifts and fostering new narratives and patterns that align with your highest self.
Each of my live classes commences and concludes with nurturing, deep pranayama breaths to activate the parasympathetic nervous system. This deliberate practice assists in grounding and integrating your experiences, providing a gentle and supportive approach to your breathwork journey.
For daily practice, dedicating 5-20 minutes to pranayama breathing meditations is highly recommended. This allows for the integration of the intensity experienced during CCB sessions and enables you to ground and nourish yourself throughout the day.
what can happen during a breathwork class…
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What occurs within your mind during breathwork is akin to any meditation practice. It is common to encounter resistance and experience a flood of thoughts. The key lies in directing your focus towards the breath itself:
Notice the sensations of the breath within your body.
Observe how the breath is influencing the movements of your body.
By adopting this approach, you can attentively witness your thoughts without becoming entangled in them.
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During breathwork, the increased intake of oxygen can occasionally lead to a reduction in CO2 levels, potentially causing a condition known as tetany. Tetany manifests as involuntary muscle contractions, typically felt in the hands, ranging from mild discomfort to pain. If you encounter this sensation, simply return to normal breathing for a few cycles, allowing CO2 to be reintroduced into your bloodstream, thereby alleviating the discomfort.
Furthermore, some individuals may experience tingling or buzzing sensations throughout their body, while others might notice shifts in body temperature or pressure in different areas. Ringing in the ears is another sensation that some may encounter.
It is important to recognize that each person's experience is unique, and it is perfectly normal if you do not feel any specific physical sensations during breathwork. The key is to trust yourself, your breath, and respect your boundaries. Remember, if you ever feel overwhelmed or uncomfortable, it is always acceptable to pause or discontinue the practice.
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Breathwork is a powerful tool that facilitates the release of stored emotions and memories within our bodies. When we go through traumatic experiences, our brain may struggle to process all the accompanying emotions, resulting in the energy getting trapped in our physical being. These unprocessed emotions can manifest as anxiety, depression, and even physical ailments.
With the practice of breathwork, we create a safe and supportive space for the body to release these old emotions and memories. This can be expressed through various physical reactions such as crying, trembling, shaking, or laughing. It's important to embrace these responses as natural and indicative of the body's innate ability to let go of what no longer serves it.
Breathwork excels as a transformative tool, specifically designed to process and release past emotions and memories that no longer serve our well-being. If you're interested in understanding more about how trauma is stored in the body, we invite you to explore this informative article for further insights.
How do I prepare for this class?
Things you’ll need:
a comfortable place where you can lay down
comfortable clothes that are easy to breathe in
a blanket or something you can put on in case you get cold
headphones or speakers as the sound place a big part of the experience
a computer or phone with zoom capabilitie
Things you may want:
a journal and pen to write or draw with after
water or tea
incense, crystal, plants- anything that helps ground you into the ritual of this practice
candles or mood lighting
Prepare yourself for a transformative breathwork experience with these simple steps. Start by finding a cozy and quiet space where you can dedicate a couple of uninterrupted hours to your practice. Consider creating a sacred atmosphere by lighting incense, brewing a cup of your favorite tea, and adjusting the lighting to a soothing level. For an enhanced experience, you can even add the ambiance of a candle.
To ensure a successful breathwork session, it's recommended to avoid consuming heavy meals within two hours prior to the class. Take a quick bathroom break before you begin to minimize distractions. If you find it challenging to quiet your mind, engaging in some cardio or dancing for 20 minutes beforehand can help get your heart rate up and energy flowing.
It's important to acknowledge that breathwork may not be suitable for everyone. If you are pregnant or have any health concerns, it's advisable to consult with your doctor before participating. Inform your instructor about any specific needs or conditions, and they will provide you with personalized breathing techniques to accommodate your situation. By following these preparations, you can fully immerse yourself in the transformative power of breathwork.