What is Breathwork?

Breathwork refers to a set of practices and techniques that focus on controlling and manipulating the breath for various physical, mental, and emotion benefits.

Who is Breathwork for?

Breathwork is for everyone! Your body stores the energy of past trauma, stresses and events in your tissues and subconscious. When you experience trauma (trauma is any situation in which you feel unsafe) your sympathetic nervous system floods your bodies with adrenalin ready to fight or run. If you are unable to do either, or if the situation is so overwhelming you freeze, the emotion is held in the body along with the adrenalin. You can then be triggered by situations that cause that same emotion to be felt until you feel safe to release it. This is often one of the underlying causes behind anxiety, depression, addictions and negative behaviours.

Breathwork is pregnancy safe. Please reach out if you have any specific concerns.

How does Breathwork help me?

Breathwork enables you to bypass the thinking mind and reconnect with soul and body. The breath can transport you to an altered state of consciousness where you are able to safely feel those held emotions that are behind the original trauma/belief system. Once those held emotions are felt, they can be released, and you can heal the original pain, as well as any intergenerational trauma or negative beliefs you may be carrying. Thus breaking the chain for future generations.

Releasing all of those held emotions does not change the original experience but you will find that you no longer react to the old triggers. You may find old behaviours and even people will leave your life as you awaken to your authentic self.

What can I expect to feel?

As you relax and consciously connect your breath, you begin the process of unlocking the stored energy of unfelt emotions in your body. This can result in changes in temperature, the need to move your body and to express feelings as they arise. This might be experienced in the form of crying, laughter, energy moving or shaking within the body. Often clients feel a sense of being part of something greater, being totally loved and connected to all.

All of this is normal and you are always aware and in control of whatever happens. Your body has its own intelligence and will only allow you to feel and let go of what is appropriate at the time.

How can something as simple as breathing be so powerful?

During a Breathwork session I guide you to consciously connect your breath - breathing deeply with no pauses. This simple technique resets your parasympathetic nervous system, otherwise known as your rest and digest response. From this relaxed state of being held emotions, body memories and trapped energy are able to unwind, be felt and released.

These held feelings are often represented in your life through body aches and pains, health issues, addictions, anxiety, depression, overreacting to situations and a lack of direction. By allowing yourself to release these held feelings you are free to reclaim your health and mental well-being as well as live a purposeful life with strong boundaries and direction.

What is the difference between Individual and Group Breathwork?

Both Individual and Group Breathwork are deeply healing and transformative.

Group sessions can be a perfect introduction to Breathwork. The sessions go for a little longer as there is a meditation first as well as sharing if everyone is comfortable to do so. Some find that hearing others breathe as well as release, gives them permission to do the same, especially if this concept feels daunting. There is often an energy that is felt with shared experiences that helps to integrate the release of the old and bringing in of the new.

Individual sessions are excellent for when you need one-on-one attention to really help you to make big changes and when doing so in the presence of others doesn’t feel quite right. There is no need to go into the story behind your situation to heal it - your body will let go when its feels safe to do so - but in an individual session there is the freedom to say what might not be said otherwise. Often people start with group work and go on to have individual sessions, when they are ready to go really deep. We all "hold" emotional pain in our bodies. Our emotions are meant to be felt in the moment but this is not always possible. This can be partly due to your upbringing - you may not have felt safe to express your emotions, or, because at the time the experience was so overwhelming that your nervous system prevented you from doing so.

How often can I practice Breathwork?

Even though you will get a lot out of one session, healing takes continuity to work. Healing ourselves is not so much about getting better and more about letting go of everything that is not us - handed down beliefs, held emotional wounds - and becoming who we really are.

I recommend you commit to consistent breathwork practice, I like to offer customised guidance on what this looks like depending on the individual client needs.

Once the initial trauma has been released and you can feel the benefits in your body and mind, it is beneficial to continue having regular Breathwork sessions once a month or when you feel drawn to.

How do I prepare for Breathwork?

I suggest wearing something comfortable and not having too big a meal beforehand. You are welcome to bring a journal to write any experiences down afterwards. Ultimately, come with an open mind and heart and willingness to explore your potential a little deeper.

If you would like to sample Breathwork in your own space, I have guided options available.