1         Introduction

Breathwork is an active form of meditation that allows us to disconnect from the mind and be guided by our body and heart. As we breathe out thoughts, beliefs, memories, actions that do not support our growth, we return to our wholeness and feel more equipped to handle stress, anxiety, and lingering trauma. The focus of the mind on breathing allows subconscious thoughts and feelings to surface for releasing. The subconscious is unable to block the technique as it would have to stop you breathing! There are many different breathwork techniques, and each one has a unique purpose and effect on the body.

2     Breathwork Session

There are slight variations in a breathwork programme undertaken by each practitioner. During my breathwork sessions, I will have you undertake five steps during the breathwork session:

1. Cyclic breath: A constant “normal” breath in through the nose and out the mouth. The breath in is approximately 4 seconds in and 4 seconds out. Pause approximately for 2 seconds after breathing out.
2. Held breath: A breath in for approximately 4 seconds and then hold for approximately 4 seconds and then out for approximately 4 seconds. Pause approximately for 2 seconds after breathing out.
3. Extended held breath: A breath in for approximately 6 seconds and then hold for approximately 4 seconds and then out for approximately 6 seconds. Pause approximately for 2 seconds after breathing out.
4. Extended cyclic breath: A constant extended breath in through the nose and out the mouth. The breath in is approximately 6 seconds in and 6 seconds out. Pause approximately for 2 seconds after breathing out.
5. Cyclic breath: Return to a constant “normal” breath (point 1 above) in through the nose and out the mouth. The breath in is approximately 4 seconds in and 4 seconds out. Pause approximately for 2 seconds after breathing out.

During 1 and 2 above, interlock your hands. The in 3 and 4 above, open your hands up facing upwards towards the sky.  The position of the hands should be comfortable as possible.  This impacts your energy and initially you will need to build your energy and this is undertaken by holding your hands together which gives you more courage at a deeper level.

IMPORTANT: At any stage during the breathwork session, you may feel pain (e.g. hands cramping) and emotions may come from nowhere (e.g. tears). Allow these thoughts and emotions to surface and continue focusing on the breathing.  If you feel overloaded. Just relaxed back into a normal breath and allow the feelings etc to subside.

You will be provided a recorded session to undertake it own your own if you wish.  However it is IMPORTANT that the first two been undertaken with my guidance and notify me immediately if you have any issues associated with the breathwork session.

3          FAQs

Q:     What happens during breathwork?

People who practice breathwork describe feeling tingling sensations throughout their body, feelings of clarity, alertness, increased mind-body connection, and even emotional purging.

Q:     Does breathwork heal trauma?

Breathwork supports self-awareness and self-healing through various suggested breathing techniques. The goal is to improve the whole person through spiritual, mental, and physical means. .Through the deep and focused breaths, the powerful connection between mind, body, and soul diminishes trauma.

Q:     Why is breathwork so powerful?

Breathwork supports so many of the challenges everyone experiences. It reduces stress, creates feelings of openness, love, peace, gratitude, clarity, communication, and connection. Breathwork also helps release trauma or mental, physical, and emotional blocks, as well as anxiety, depression, fear, grief, and anger.

Q:     What are the dangers of breathwork?

If you’re new to breathwork, more challenging techniques may lead to hyperventilating. This is dangerous because you may also experience: Dizziness. Tingling in your hands, arms, feet, or legs.