What Is Breath Work?
Our breath is our life force. It is one of the most powerful tools we have available to us, keeping us alive in any given situation.
The History and Lineage of Breath Work
Breath work is the practice for manipulation of the breath and is deeply rooted in ancient eastern traditional practices.
Among these various traditions, the breath is considered not only an anatomical and physiological function, but a life-force that contributes to the spirit of who we are.
Roots of expression of Breath as a spiritual life-force in some traditional cultures:
English word “spirit” is derived from Latin “spiritus” → meaning “breath”
Hebrew & Greek word “pneuma” → meaning “breath”, “soul”, or “spirit”
Sanskrit language (Indo-Aryan branch of Indo-European language) word “prana” → air/breath → meaning “sacred essence of life”
Chinese word “chi/qi” → meaning “gas, breath, air, spirit, vital life force”
These ancient traditions and cultures consider the intentional manipulation of the breath to be a smaller vital component to larger practices such as yoga, Qigong, martial arts, and shamanism. As these practices have grown in the west, breathwork has come into a practice of its own and the impact has been deeply beneficial.
The spirit who we are can be relayed through the state of our physical nervous system through our breathing, heart rate, and corresponding hormonal releases.
The Science of Breath Work
Breath is the key component to exciting or relaxing the state of our nervous system: the highway between the brain and body.
The mere act of breathing is a part of the autonomic nervous system which controls our unconscious processes between the central nervous system of the brain to the organ tissue of the body.
In other words, we aren’t aware of our breathing until we are.
This autonomic system, on its own, is responsible for naturally exciting and relaxing our breath and directly correlates to our heart rate. In the face of excitement or sympathetic activation, this system doesn't know the difference between being chased by a tiger or being involved in some other high-intensity experience.
Granted the gift, humans can turn the unconscious → conscious.
With awareness, we can take active roles to transform our breath and support the regulation of our nervous system which is automatically trying to support us in every situation.
Manipulation of our breath helps us consciously achieve or change between excited or relaxed states. There are a few ways to manipulate breathing through patterns that involve nasal breathing, mouth breathing, or a mix of both.
Various research studies have found that the practice of consciously manipulating the breath has multiple benefits.
It has been known to decrease blood pressure, increase heart rate variability, enhances pulmonary function (Front Psychol.)
Depending on which style of breath work is practiced, different results can be achieved.
What Is Transformative Breath Work?
Transformative In-Depth Breath Work involves a three part breath entirely through the mouth. This method becomes a dynamic and working meditation but excites the nervous system in a safe, contained space. It can become similar to a mock-hyperventilation state that allows us to safely uncover patterns that have stored themselves unknowingly. Through the excitement response, endorphins (natural pain killers) are released, oxygen increases in the body, blood flows faster, and our awareness is able to focus and meditate deeper. This process helps you release stored energy in the muscles, connect deeper to your core, and bring about altered states of consciousness by moving beyond your ego and bringing about feelings of love, compassion, and sincerity.
What Is Calming Guided Breath Work?
Calming guided breath work includes in-hales through the nose and elongating exhales through the mouth. This is a slow and relaxing, mindfulness-based breathing session tailored to specific needs in your body. This process creates cohesiveness between the breath and the body. It supports the release of mental chatter and brings awareness to visceral and energetic movements in your body.
Other forms of breath work include variations of nasal and mouth breathing at different rates.
The Benefits of Breath Work
The benefits of breath work include but are not limited to the following:
Reduces stress.
Reduces inflammation in the body.
Reduces anxiety.
Reduces pain, mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
Increases relaxation.
Increases excitement and your capacity to feel joy.
Increases oxygen levels, alkalizing.
Increases focus.
Increases your capacity to handle stress.
Releases stored trauma and stuck emotions.
Increases awareness of the breath and when to alter it.
Contributes to changes in states of awareness or consciousness geared toward love, compassion, and connection.
What Might You Experience During a Breath Work Session?
Here are some things you may experience while doing breath work:
Heightened emotions.
Previous memories.
Visuals.
Muscle contraction and release.
Tingling.
Deep rest.
Connection to your highest sense of self and love.
Sensations of love, forgiveness, gratitude.
Breath Work Offerings With The Mindful Bird
Breath work presents in various ways through energy therapy, transformative in-depth breath work, and calming guided breath work. If you’re looking to try breath work out and want tailored support, consider some of our options below.
The Mindful Bird offers 1:1 private sessions and group breath work sessions in-person and online.
All sessions are 60-90 minutes and include intention setting and promote self or group connection.
Transformative In-Depth Breath Work
Transformative In-Depth Breath Work: $75-$110
Calming Guided Breath Work
Calming Guided Breath Work: $65
Group Breath Work
Group Breath Work Offerings
Online: $35/person
In-person: $55/person
Erin works with groups through public or private events to bring mindfulness and transformation to individuals. Here are some ways she can bring breath work to your life:
Calming guided breath work can be used in the work-place or for your private or public event.
Transformative in-depth breath work can be used for intimate private events or retreats.
Practicing breath work prepares us for the difficult stressors that lie ahead. The more aware we become of our breath through practice, the more likely we are to use breathwork to regulate ourselves in stressful or exciting circumstances.
