What is Breathwork?
Breathwork is a versatile practice that encompasses a wide range of techniques and approaches, each offering unique benefits and experiences.
Generally, there are 3 main categories of breathwork:
- Functional Breathing
- Nervous System Regulation Breathwork or Pranayama
- Transpersonal/Psychedelic Style Breathwork
Functional Breathing refers to the way you naturally breathe every day. Functional breathing techniques aim to correct any dysfunction or suboptimal patterns, helping you achieve efficient and balanced breathing. This involves nasal breathing, diaphragmatic engagement, and maintaining a calm, steady rhythm to optimize oxygen intake, balance carbon dioxide levels, and support overall health, energy, and stress management.
Nervous System Regulation Breathwork, or Pranayama, includes techniques designed to either calm or energize the body and mind. Pranayama, sometimes referred to as “Yoga of Breath,” is an ancient Indian practice that dates back over 5,000 years. Calming practices, like Box Breathing (4-4-4-4) or 4-7-8 breathing, focus on longer exhales to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing stress and promoting relaxation. Energizing breathwork, such as Breath of Fire or Kapalabhati, uses rapid, rhythmic breathing to stimulate the sympathetic nervous system, boosting energy, focus, and alertness. These simple practices offer a dynamic way to shift your state, whether you need calm or an energizing reset.
Transpersonal or Psychedelic-Style Breathwork, such as Holotropic, Rebirthing, and Shamanic Breathwork, involves deep, rhythmic breathing techniques, paired with carefully chosen music, that is designed to access altered states of consciousness. These practices often evoke profound emotional release, spiritual insights, and a connection to the subconscious, supporting deep healing and transformation.
I mainly teach Conscious Connected Breathwork which is a transpersonal style. However, I use a variety of these techniques to tailor an experience that suit your goals, needs, and intentions.