When a friend said she was becoming a “breathwork teacher” I had no idea what she was talking about! Seven years later, and I not only know what it is, I have become a big fan of the practice.

What is it?

Very simply, it is intentionally changing your breath pattern. It covers any practice that does this; from alternate nostril breathing (pranayama) that you may do in a yoga class, conscious connected breathwork, to the popularised Wim Hoff techniques. It can last from a few minutes to well over an hour. Breathwork can be done on your own, following an audio guide, following a video guide, with a live video class, an in person class, or 1-2-1. It works well over video call, or in person.

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Why do it?

There are a huge range of reasons to do breathwork. It can be preventative, supportive, and a treatment. What you get out of it will be a very personal experience. The environment, type of breathwork, and your state of mind will all affect what happens.

  • Psychological wellbeing
  • Physical wellbeing
  • Emotional wellbeing
  • Releasing trauma
  • Personal growth
  • Emotional release
  • Energy release
  • Access to the subconscious mind
  • Creating an altered state of consciousness (depending on the type of breathwork)
  • Improved creativity
  • Higher energy levels
  • Releasing negative thoughts
  • Reduced stress levels
  • Improved lung capacity
  • Balanced blood pressure
  • Reduced anxiety
  • Improved immune system

Who shouldn’t do breathwork?

If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have any of the following conditions;

  • breathing issues
  • cardiovascular issues
  • high blood pressure
  • history of aneurysms
  • osteoporosis
  • recent physical injuries / surgeries
  • severe psychiatric symptoms
  • vision issues

Photo by Sable Flow on Unsplash

How does it feel?

There is a huge range of possible feelings, and sensations, that could, or could not arise. Which ones depend on the type of breathwork you are practicing. While it is good to be aware these things can happen, it is important not to have expectations. It is not the case that the greater the sensations the “better” the practice!

I used to get very cross (with myself) that early when practicing “conscious connected breathwork” I would compulsively yawn! This would (I felt) put me off the breathing practice, as I would get out of rhythm, and my eyes would water. Until a teacher explained that this was a sign I was having a release, and this was part of the process for me.

Possible sensations;

  • Feeling relaxed / calm
  • Tingling in parts of the body
  • Warmth in one, or more, parts of the body
  • Shivering (have a blanket nearby) in one, or more, parts of the body
  • Cramping in one or more parts of the body
  • Twitching of limbs
  • Laughing
  • Crying
  • Dizziness
  • Ringing in the ears
  • Clouded vision (although you most likely will have your eyes closed so may not notice this one)
  • Visions
  • Insights
  • Connecting to a part of your subconscious eg inner child, ego

If the sensations get too much for you, then reduce the speed, or intensity, of the practice you are doing. It’s not a race, or a competition! Stop all together if you need to, and go back to a regular breathing pattern if this feels right.

How to start

If you have never done breathwork, then a live class, or 1-2-1 session, can be a nice gentle, and supportive, way to start. If you attend festivals, or wellness events, there may be a breathwork class on the programme. Give it a try, and see what happens. Remember there are lots of different kinds of breathwork so it’s worth trying a few kinds and see what suits you best. The teacher will normally explain the kind of effects you may expect.

If this doesn’t work for you then see the resources section below for inspiration.

Resources

Yoshi Healing – my introduction to breathwork was my friend Yoshi. She needed people to practice on while she was training, I was happy to help. Even though I had no idea what to expect! Her website has details about the Rebirthing Breathwork she practices. She has also trained as Love & Relationship Coach, you can find details about this here and on Instagram.

Caluna Wellness – I attended some online sessions with Heather over COVID lockdowns. These were teaching the basic Wim Hoff Techniques. She has online and in person classes / workshops.

Breathing Bliss – I met Lisa via her festival workshops. Very powerful in person group experiences. Since then I have attended one of her excellent online workshops. She also does 1-2-1 and couples sessions.

Audio guides

Heather from Caluna wellness has put together a Spotify playlist for self directed breathwork.

Videos on YouTube

Yoga with Adrienne has a few like this one.

Beginners breathwork is a short practice from Adrianna Elizabeth.

Check a few creators channels and see which one you like best. They will all have different styles.