Q: What is breathwork?
Breathwork is a powerful technique that uses intentional breathing patterns to shift spaces in your body, promoting health and well-being. It’s a versatile tool—much like exercise—that becomes more effective when integrated into your daily lifestyle.
Q: How does controlling my breath help my body?
A: Our bodies are built to heal. Unfortunately, humans often start breathing incorrectly between the ages of three and five. If you watch a baby, their stomach expands on the inhale; many adults do the opposite. Shallow breathing limits the oxygen your body needs.
Intentional breathwork shifts your body out of the fight-or-flight state by activating your parasympathetic response. This allows regulation of the nervous system and can even help rewire neural pathways. It teaches us how to respond instead of react to triggers and situations in our day-to-day lives. Breathwork can help with reducing stress and anxiety, improving mental focus, and enhancing emotional well-being.
Q: Can breathwork really help with trauma?
A: Yes. We are the only creatures that replay stressful events in our heads, allowing the emotion to constantly affect our bodies. Emotional buildup can lead to disease and eventually manifest as physical disease. We don’t always realize the trauma and emotions we often hold onto.
Q: Where should I start?
A: A great technique for beginners is the Box Breath. It involves four equal parts: inhale for four, hold for four, exhale for four, and hold for four. Doing this for just five minutes can immediately shift any tension or anxiety you might be experiencing. You can also add an intention! One visualization I like to use is inhaling love and gratitude and exhaling what does not serve me. This simple practice can be done at any time and has amazing health benefits for your body and mind.