Breathwork encompasses an array of intentional and controlled breathing methods, offering profound enhancements to physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Among those teaching breathwork, efforts to trademark or brand specific practices have arisen, resulting in a plethora of names like "Transformational Breathwork," "Clarity Breathwork," or "Shamanic Breathwork." However, all these fall under the umbrella of a modern adaptation of pranayama, a practice rooted in the ancient history of the Indian subcontinent. Pranayama utilizes breath as a tool to soothe the mind, regulate energy within the body, and elevate both physical and mental health.
Recent popularity has propelled scientific inquiry into breath work as an alternative therapy for addressing physical, mental, and emotional ailments.
Even for newcomers, engaging in breathwork may be more familiar than they realize. Instances like consciously taking deep breaths to pacify the nervous system constitute a fundamental form of breathwork.
Breath-focused techniques and meditative practices have origins in various ancient cultures and traditions—Taoism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, Yoga, Qigong, Shamanism, Sufism, and martial arts. These diverse traditions have employed breathing techniques for spiritual exploration, healing, and self-discovery. The breath of breathwork types, from transformational to clarity and shamanic, spans numerous lineages.
Breathwork isn't a singular technique but rather a spectrum of practices, each exerting distinct effects on the body and mind. Examples include slow and deep breathing, alternate nostril breathing, and even brief breath-holding.
The technique I specialize in is known as "circular breathwork," also termed as connected breathing. It involves a specific pattern of mouth breathing in a circular motion.
Breath Work
Are There Contraindications For Doing Circular Breath work?
Like most types of therapy, breathwork isn’t appropriate for everyone. It’s recommended that you consult with your healthcare provider (including any mental health provider), and also let me, your teacher, know about any health concerns before participating in a breathwork session.
Breathwork can result in an intense physical and emotional release. Therefore, it is not advised for persons with a history of cardiovascular disease, including angina or heart attack, high blood pressure, glaucoma, retinal detachment, osteoporosis, any significant recent physical injuries or surgeries.
Breathwork is not advised for persons with severe mental illness or seizure disorders or for persons using major medications. It is also unsuitable for anyone with a personal or family history of aneurysms.
Pregnant women are advised against practicing breathwork without first consulting and getting approval from their primary care physician.
Persons with asthma should bring their inhaler and consult with their primary care physician and the breathwork facilitator before their first session.
Here are the common contraindications for breath work:
Cardiovascular problems
High or abnormal blood pressure
History of aneurysms
Epilepsy or history of seizures
Anyone on heavy medication
Severe psychiatric symptoms, particularly psychosis or paranoia
Bipolar depression
Osteoporosis
Recent surgery
Glaucoma
Pregnancy
An active addiction
Any person with mental illness who isn’t in treatment or lacks adequate support
Additionally, those who have experienced recent trauma or are in a highly emotional or sensitive state may not be appropriate candidates for breath work.
Breath work sessions can sometimes bring up intense emotions and memories, which can be overwhelming and difficult to process without proper support. Make sure you are ready to face the difficult feelings that may come up and that you have a solid support network to help you process these feelings after the session is over.
Some people may feel uncomfortable or even experience anxiety while participating in breathwork, especially if they have a fear of losing control or losing consciousness.
Other techniques i specialize include
Strong Yogic Breathing - Strong spinal breathing - Bhastrika Pranayama - ChidShakti Pranayama
Contraindications - Should not be performed (or only very gently, depending on the severity of the ailment) by people with certain medical conditions e.g.: HBP, heart conditions, severe lung problems. - Not done when in a state of anxiety, recent panic attacks and PTSD because these techniques can trigger panic attacks and a too strong release of emotions. - Be careful not only focusing on these breathing practices because it can make one more agitated, find it harder to really meditate and creates an overall restless state of being.
Cleansing Breathing practices - Bhastrika Pranayama - Kapalbhati Pranayama - Bahya Pranayama
Contraindications - Should not be performed (or only very gently, depending on severity of the ailment) by people with certain medical conditions e.g.: HBP, heart conditions, severe lung problems, epilepsy etc. Also not done when in a state of anxiety, recent panic attacks and PTSD because
Balancing Breathing practices - Anulom vilom/ Nadi shodhana - Kaki mudra pranayama - Ujjayi (when done gently) - Bhramari Pranayama - Sitali/ Sitkari Pranayama
Contraindications - Depending on how intense the breathing techniques are performed. When done in a ‘stronger manner’, the same contraindications apply as the ‘Activating breathing practices’. When done gentle and soft, it should be mostly safe for everyone when the techniques are done correctly. - In case of serious physical or mental ailments, always do it only very gently and for short periods of time.
Meditative Breathing Practices - Cosmic breathing/ Brahmanda Pranayama - Soft & very slow Vritti pranayama - Pranava Pranayama - Udgeeth Pranayama - Bhramari Pranayama
Contraindications - People suffering from psychosis should not practice this
How to prepare for a Breathwork session ?
Preparing for a Breathwork session is relatively simple, yet a few considerations can significantly enhance your experience. Here's how to maximize the benefits of each session:
1. Choose a Serene Space: Opt for a quiet, comfortable room free from disruptions. Create an environment that supports your focus and relaxation, ensuring uninterrupted 'me time.'
2. Comfortable Attire: Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows unrestricted movement. Since body temperature might fluctuate during the session, keep a blanket handy for warmth and comfort.
3. Mind Your Meal: Avoid heavy meals before the session, ideally practicing on an empty stomach. A full stomach may cause discomfort, hindering your ability to take deep, unhindered breaths.
4. Stay Hydrated: Hydrate adequately before the session, as circular breathwork involves rapid breathing. Having water nearby prevents interruptions due to thirst or dehydration.
5. Embrace Openness: Approach the session with an open mind and a willingness to explore the experience. Be gentle with yourself if initially finding it challenging to sync with the rhythm—practice leads to improvement. Remember, I'll be there to guide and support you throughout the entire journey.
By considering these simple yet crucial points, you pave the way for a more fulfilling and effective Breathwork session, ensuring you reap the maximum benefits of this transformative practice.
Breath work and Spirituality
Breathwork and spirituality share a deep connection, often intertwined through various traditions and practices across cultures. Here's how breathwork relates to spirituality:
1. Conscious Awareness:
Breathwork, particularly focused and intentional breathing, cultivates mindfulness and conscious awareness. It serves as a bridge between the physical and spiritual realms, grounding individuals in the present moment and fostering a deeper connection with the self and the universe.
2. Prana and Life Force:
Many spiritual traditions recognize breath as the carrier of prana, chi, or life force energy. Practicing breathwork is believed to facilitate the flow of this vital energy throughout the body, nurturing spiritual growth and balance.
3. Transcendence and Altered States:
Advanced breathwork techniques can induce altered states of consciousness, leading to experiences of transcendence and spiritual awakening. These altered states may offer glimpses into higher realms of consciousness, facilitating spiritual exploration and growth.
4. Connection and Unity:
Breath is a universal element shared by all living beings, emphasizing our interconnectedness with everything in existence. Through breathwork, individuals may experience a sense of unity and interconnectedness with the world around them, fostering a deeper spiritual understanding.
5. Ritual and Ceremony:
Many spiritual practices incorporate breathwork into rituals and ceremonies as a means to connect with the divine, invoke healing energies, or as a pathway to spiritual revelation and enlightenment.
6. Self-Discovery and Inner Healing:
Breathwork often serves as a tool for self-exploration, healing past traumas, and unlocking inner wisdom. This process can lead to profound spiritual insights, allowing individuals to tap into their inner guidance and intuition.
7. Alignment and Balance:
In spiritual contexts, breathwork is viewed as a means to align and balance the mind, body, and spirit. It aids in clearing blockages, releasing negativity, and promoting overall harmony within oneself.
8. Integration with Spiritual Practices:
Breathwork seamlessly integrates with various spiritual practices like meditation, yoga, shamanic rituals, and energy work, enhancing their effectiveness and depth.
In essence, breathwork serves as a potent tool for spiritual exploration, self-realization, and connecting with the divine, offering a pathway to deeper understanding, healing, and transcendence.
Important Note- The Breathwork session will take place online through Zoom, but only after we've had a preliminary 10-minute phone consultation and completed some necessary paperwork. This step is essential to assess your current health status and tailor the breathwork techniques specifically for you. It's important to recognize that not all techniques are suitable for everyone, so this customization ensures the most effective and safe experience tailored to your individual needs.
-:Breath work payment details:-
Experience Breath work with me now !! Text me on +17789516002 to book a free phone consultation before you make a payment.
The 60-minute session comprises two parts:
15-minute talk therapy segment followed by 45 minutes dedicated to practical breath work exercises.
1 hr session - $175 CAD