Breathwork FAQs

What is Breathwork? 

Breathwork is a practice that uses specific and conscious breathing patterns to create a meditative state and to elicit desired effects in the emotional and physical body. Current breathwork practices are rooted in Pranayama, Holotropic, and Conscious Connected breathing techniques. Breathwork sessions are typically 10-60+ minutes, depending on the focus of the practice.

Benefits of Breathwork

Breathwork is an active meditation using the breath to allow the body to experience a meditative state. The practice allows the thinking mind to step back so that the body can process and release unmetabolized emotions, energies, and experiences—leaving space for clarity, connection, and curiosity. A regular breathwork practice can support the following:

• Managing chronic stress.

• Managing sleep patterns.

• Addressing digestive disturbances.

• Improved, sustained energy.

• Deepening our relationship with ourselves and others.

• Expanding creativity.

• Relief from depression, anxiety, and traumatic residue.

• Working with uncertainty

• Developing trust in self, body, intuition, and wisdom.

• Releasing unhelpful patterning, beliefs, thoughts, and behaviors.

• Regulating the nervous system, heart rate, and blood pressure.

• Ability to navigate emotions such as joy, anger, shame, awe, contentment, and grief.

Navigating Emotional Reactions During and After Breathwork

Breathwork uses breathing patterns and music to help you access a meditative and expanded state of consciousness. This process can make emotions and physical experiences salient. Please understand that experiences arising from breathwork participation may require additional therapeutic or supportive interventions.   

Medical Disclaimer Breathwork (intended for sessions exceeding 10 minutes using the 3-Part Breath)

Breathwork is a practice that utilizes conscious breathing techniques to foster a relationship with the physical, emotional, and spiritual body. However, to maximize its benefits and ensure safety, it’s essential to consider certain health conditions that may pose risks during breathwork. 

To ensure safety and effectiveness, it’s crucial to be aware of the contraindications for breathwork. Individuals with the first term of pregnancy, unless specifically cleared by a medical professional, should approach breathwork with care. Those with epilepsy, retinal detachment, or uncontrolled glaucoma should also consult with their healthcare provider before engaging in breathwork. Additionally, individuals with high blood pressure not managed by medication, cardiovascular disease, a family history of aneurysm, strokes, neurological conditions, or severe osteoporosis should carefully consider the potential risks and seek professional guidance. Addressing these contraindications helps to mitigate risks and tailor the practice to individual health needs, ensuring a safe and beneficial experience for all participants.

Breathwork Resources

In this link, you will find a repository of resources that explain and support conscious breathwork practices. 

What to Expect During a Breathwork Session

During the session, you may experience body temperature changes, tingling, or tightness. Emotions might rise to the surface, as well as tears, vocal expressions, and laughter.  You’ll experience dancing with and regulating your nervous system. You may also have feelings of an altered state of consciousness. Every session is different. The breath is ultimately the pen you use to write your breathwork story, so if you have feelings around uncertainty or feeling prepared, know that you ultimately have control of the pen you’re using.