Breathwork therapy is an incredibly powerful form of healing that involves conscious, connected breathing. This type of breathwork allows us to observe the often subtle changes in our body and mind as we breathe. Breathwork can help us become aware of our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual states, allowing us to gently honour ourselves as we move through life’s challenges. It can also help us develop an understanding of how our breath influences our physical, mental, and emotional health and well-being.
Breathwork therapy is a type of talk therapy that focuses on conscious breathing techniques in order to bring awareness to suppressed emotions, thoughts, and feelings. Connecting with the breath helps us observe what is happening in our body in a non-judgmental way, allowing us to witness and gently release patterns of tension, stuck energy, and even trauma. Breathwork helps to facilitate connection with our deepest self so that we can uncover and explore the wisdom, power, and potential within ourselves.
How To Do Breathwork
Practicing breathwork is an individual experience, and there are many techniques available depending on what you hope to achieve. Generally, breathwork is done lying down or sitting comfortably in a chair with your eyes closed and your attention focused on the breath. The most common type of breathing technique used in breathwork therapy involves actively inhaling for four counts and then exhaling for eight counts. This specific pattern helps to regulate the nervous system and enables a deeper relaxation response. It is recommended that you start with shorter breathing cycles (10-15 minutes) and build up to longer sessions as your practice develops.
During a breathwork session, it is important to remain in tune with your body and listen closely to the physical sensations, feelings, and emotions that arise. You should avoid forcing your breath in any way or pushing yourself to go further than feels comfortable. If you experience strong emotions or physical reactions, it is important to remain curious and gently explore the sensations with your breath. It can be helpful to keep a journal of your experiences to help track progress over time.
Breathwork For Trauma
Breathwork for trauma is an effective form of healing that can help individuals regulate their nervous system and work through difficult emotions. During a breathwork session specifically focused on trauma, practitioners may use techniques such as mindful awareness practices and active visualization in order to access and process the emotions associated with traumatic experiences.
Individuals may also explore their body’s physical responses to traumas throughout the session. This can help them gain a greater understanding of and connection with their emotions and can provide an opportunity for self-expression and healing. Breathwork for trauma is often used in conjunction with other forms of therapy such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and psychotherapy.
Breathwork Therapy FAQ
Why is breathwork so powerful?
Breathwork is so powerful because it allows us to directly access our body and emotions in a non-judgmental way, helping to facilitate a deeper connection with ourselves. It also helps to regulate the nervous system, enabling an even deeper relaxation response and allowing individuals to work through difficult emotions, process traumas, and even unlock the potential within themselves. With regular practice of breathwork, individuals can begin to learn how their breath influences their physical, mental, and emotional health and well-being.
What kind of therapy is breathwork?
Breathwork therapy is a type of talk therapy that focuses on conscious breathing techniques in order to bring awareness to suppressed emotions, thoughts, and feelings. It can be used as an individual practice or as part of other forms of therapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and psychotherapy. Breathwork helps individuals access their bodies and emotions in a non-judgmental way, enabling a deeper connection with themselves and facilitating relaxation, self-expression, and healing.
How do you perform breathwork?
Breathwork is usually performed lying down or sitting comfortably in a chair with the eyes closed and attention focused on the breath. Common techniques involve actively inhaling for four counts and then exhaling for eight counts, repeating this cycle multiple times to regulate the nervous system and help reach a deeper relaxation response. It is generally recommended to start with shorter breath cycles (10-15 minutes) and build up over time as practice develops.
Conclusion
Breathwork is an effective form of healing that can help individuals regulate their nervous system and work through difficult emotions. By using techniques such as mindful awareness practices, active visualization, and focusing on the breath during a session, practitioners can access deep-seated traumas or suppressed feelings in order to facilitate self-expression and emotional release. With regular practice of breathwork, individuals can learn how their breath influences their physical, mental, and emotional health. If you’re looking for a powerful tool to help bring greater awareness into your life, then consider giving breathwork therapy a try!
