Breathwork has been around for centuries, but it’s only in recent years that it has gained popularity in the mainstream. It’s a practice that has been used for healing, self-discovery, and empowerment. In this article, we’ll explore what happens in a breathwork session and how it can benefit you.
What is Breathwork?
Breathwork is a practice that involves conscious breathing. It’s a way of using your breath to connect with your body and mind. There are many different techniques, but they all involve some form of controlled breathing.
Breathwork is often used as a form of meditation or mindfulness practice. But it can also be used for physical and emotional healing. By changing the way you breathe, you can change the way you feel and the way your body functions.
How Does Breathwork Work?
Breathwork works by activating your parasympathetic nervous system. This is the part of your nervous system that controls your “rest and digest” functions. When your parasympathetic nervous system is activated, your heart rate slows down, your blood pressure drops, and your body relaxes.
Breathwork also helps to oxygenate your body. When you breathe deeply, you take in more oxygen, which can help to reduce stress and anxiety. It can also help to release tension in your muscles.
Breathwork is often used in conjunction with other healing modalities, such as meditation, yoga, and psychotherapy.
What Happens in a Breathwork Session?
Breathwork sessions can vary depending on the practitioner and the technique used. But there are some common elements that you can expect.
Setting the Scene
A breathwork session usually takes place in a quiet and peaceful setting. The practitioner might use candles, incense, or soft music to create a relaxing atmosphere. You’ll usually lie down on a mat or cushion and get comfortable.
Breathing Techniques
The practitioner will guide you through a series of breathing techniques. These might involve deep breathing, rapid breathing, or breath retention. The goal is to change the way you breathe and to access different states of consciousness.
Physical Sensations
As you breathe, you might start to feel physical sensations in your body. You might feel tingling, warmth, or vibrations. You might also experience emotions or memories coming to the surface. This is all part of the healing process.
Releasing Emotions
Breathwork can be an intense experience. It can bring up emotions that you’ve been holding onto for a long time. You might cry, laugh, or feel angry. It’s important to allow these emotions to come up and to release them.
Integrating the Experience
After the breathing techniques are complete, you’ll usually have some time to rest and integrate the experience. The practitioner might ask you to journal or talk about your experience. This can help you to process what you’ve just gone through.
Benefits of Breathwork
Breathwork has many benefits, both physical and emotional. Here are some of the most common:
Reducing Stress and Anxiety
Breathwork can help to reduce stress and anxiety by activating your parasympathetic nervous system. It can also help to release tension in your muscles and promote relaxation.
Improving Sleep
Breathwork can help to improve sleep by reducing stress and promoting relaxation. It can also help to regulate your breathing patterns, which can improve the quality of your sleep.
Increasing Self-Awareness
Breathwork can help you to become more aware of your body and your emotions. It can help you to connect with your inner self and to gain insights into your thoughts and feelings.
Healing Trauma
Breathwork can be a powerful tool for healing trauma. It can help you to release emotions and memories that you’ve been holding onto for a long time. It can also help you to process and integrate these experiences.
Boosting Immune Function
Breathwork can help to boost your immune function by reducing stress and promoting relaxation. It can also help to flush toxins out of your body and increase oxygenation.
Conclusion
Breathwork is a powerful practice that can benefit you in many ways. By changing the way you breathe, you can change the way you feel and the way your body functions. If you’re interested in trying breathwork, look for a qualified practitioner who can guide you through the process.