What can I expect to feel in a Breathwork session?
Breathwork is a powerful and beautiful healing modality that allows you to use your breath to connect deeply with your body and energy system. Through conscious breathing, you can uncover and release energetic patterns, emotional blockages, or trauma stored in your system.
Each Breathwork session is unique — no two experiences are the same. Because Breathwork works with energy, it’s natural to feel different physical and emotional sensations as that energy rises, shifts, and clears.
This is why working with a trained facilitator is so important. A skilled guide creates a safe and supportive space for you to explore these sensations with openness and trust.
Common sensations in a Breathwork Session
Here are some of the most common things you might experience during a session:
Tingling
This is one of the most common body sensations in Breathwork
You may feel tingling:
All over your body
In specific areas (hands, face, arms, legs)
As waves that come and go
Tingling is simply energy moving and releasing. If it becomes intense, you can always slow your breath slightly — the energy will move and shift naturally.
Changes in Temperature
You may feel hot or cold at different points during the session.
These shifts in temperature are also part of energy releasing and rebalancing. Just notice the sensation and stay with your breath — it will pass.
Emotional Release
Breathwork is a powerful tool for emotional healing. You might experience a wide range of emotions, including:
Joy
Sadness
Grief
Anger
Peace
Gratitude
Whatever comes up, know that it’s valid. The key is to allow the emotions to rise without judgment. As the saying goes, “You need to feel it to heal it.”
The Urge to Move
You may feel al need to:
Rock or sway
Shake or vibrate
Stretch or change position
This movement is your body’s way of processing and releasing energy. It’s important to honour what your body needs. Sometimes, movement can also be a subtle resistance to feeling — and this is where having a facilitator really helps, guiding you back into presence with what’s underneath.
Muscle Tension or Discomfort
Some people experience physical tension or pain during a session. This might be:
From old injuries (even long-healed ones)
A result of emotional energy stored in the body
Your body stiffening as energy is released
Again, this is temporary. If it becomes too intense, simply slow your breath and soften into the experience.
Altered States or Trance
Breathwork can bring you into a trance-like state or an altered state of consciousness. This is similar to what happens when you dream — it’s safe and natural.
You may feel like you’ve “gone somewhere,” yet still be aware of the room or your body. These altered states are deeply healing, allowing the unconscious to rise to the surface for release and integration.
What’s Most Important to Remember
Everyone’s experience is different — and that’s okay.
There’s no right or wrong way to “do” Breathwork.
The sensations you feel are temporary and will subside as you return to regular breathing.
You may experience some, all, or none of these sensations — and each session will be different.
Breathwork works with your energy system, and like any energetic process, there’s a natural cycle. As the session unfolds, energy will rise, move, and eventually complete — often leaving you with a deep sense of peace, openness, and freedom.
After Your Session
Aftercare is important. I have written more about what to expect and how to care for yourself post-session in this article.
Ready to Begin Your Journey?
If you're curious and want to learn more, you're welcome to book a free discovery call via the "Book a Breathwork Session" button below.
And if you're ready to dive in, I would be honoured to hold space for you and support you on your journey back to your heart. 💜
