The inquiry, “What is breathwork therapy” has been running in the minds of a couple of people owing to the rising popularity of holistic health treatments. On diving deeper, we can see that people have shifted beyond medicine and traditional psychotherapy due to holistic health approaches. Breathwork therapy is one such ancient technique that focuses on modified breathing and has recently gained a lot of attention. Let’s break it down and see what breathwork therapy is and how it aids in supporting one’s mental, emotional and physical health.
Understanding the Basics of Breathwork Therapy
Breathwork therapy encompasses a spectrum of practices centered around the conscious alteration of breath to reach certain psychological, emotional, and physical objectives. Controlled breathing is more than just deeper or slow inhalation, it is aimed at influencing the human nervous system, trauma release, stress relief, and cultivation of mindfulness.
Breathwork takes on different forms, each breathing style breathwork encompasses is unique.
Some of the types are:
- Holotropic Breathwork
- Conscious Connected Breathing
- Rebirthing Breathwork
- Shamanic Breathwork
All of them are intended to reduce anxiety, emotional blockages and help the person connect with themselves in the present moment.
Why It Works: The Science Explained
For many people, it would feel a bit strange that breathing can have a huge impact on human health. The reason behind this is it is directly linked with the autonomic nervous system, especially the one in charge of calming down as well as recovering, the parasympathetic branch. While breathwork is being practiced, stress levels go down, our body relaxes, cortisol levels are lowered, and heart rate is reduced.
There is significant evidence supporting the notion that breathing in a controlled manner can help with emotion regulation, focus, and symptoms associated with depression and PTSD. Trauma and emotions don’t need to be verbalized for deep healing, so accessing the subconscious is possible through breath.
Breathwork Therapy and its Mental Health Benefits
What is breathwork therapy doing for mental health? Quite a lot. Most therapists now include it in treatment plans for patients suffering from:
- Addiction Recovery
- Anxiety And Panic Attacks
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Depression
- Emotional Dysregulation
Breathwork is different from therapy because patients do not have to recount painful life events. Rather, breath is used during the therapy to let go of Emotional Energy that is stuck in the body. People often describe feeling lighter, more grounded, and sharper in the head after a session.
It also helps with emotional resilience because clients soften into presence rather than avoiding discomfort while staying grounded, which means they are building resilience. This matters a great deal about long-term recovery and well-being.
Expectations During A Breathwork Session
Most individuals wonder what a session looks like when they are first introduced to the practice. Sessions are mostly done lying down in a quite warm and tranquil place in nature with a trained facilitator leading the guided imagery.
You’ll start by learning the specific breathing technique, often a continuous circular breath that joins the inhale and exhale. With the flow of energy, as the session progresses, some physical sensations may appear, like tingling, heat, or tightness. Releasing emotions like crying or laughter is welcomed and often encouraged.
To further enhance the experience, music, sound healing instruments, and affirmations are used. After the active engaging period, there is a rest period where the body incorporates the experience. People often come out from this state feeling a profound inner calm, clarity, and deep reconnection with oneself.
Is It Safe for Everyone?
Generally, yes – but like all therapies, breathwork does not fit every person, every time. Those with breathing difficulties, heart problems, epilepsy, or severe mental health issues should seek medical advice before starting.
That said, breathwork with appropriate guidance from trained facilitators is regarded as a safe practice without invasive procedures and can augment other healing or therapeutic work.
Breathwork Therapy and Addiction Recovery
In recovery from addiction, breathwork provides a very effective avenue to heal the emotional reasons driving substance use. It allows for the safe release of guilt, shame, trauma, and grief—emotions often associated with addiction. In breathwork, those newly recovering from addiction can expect craving reduction, improved emotional clearness, as well as breath control. In addition, it serves as an alternative to destructive behaviors by triggering natural endorphin release, stimulating a ‘high’.
Breathwork also helps those recovering from substance abuse to self-soothe by giving them the right tools to cope during emotionally taxing periods. This self-soothing ability is beneficial for long-term sobriety and avoiding relapse.
Breathwork vs. Meditation: What’s the Difference?
Unlike meditation, breathwork aims to reconnect the body with the mind as well as calm it. In contrast to meditation, which focuses on observing and quieting the brain, breathwork propels you forward with active and cathartic intense breathing.
Rather than asking us to simply observe feelings and emotions, breathwork encourages us to physically release them.
Growing Popularity and Modern Applications
Breathwork therapy has become more common in modern times, especially in the wellness niche, due to the previously mentioned factors. The easily accessible and practical nature of breathwork, especially for those trying to steer clear of medication and long therapy waitlists, further adds to its growing popularity.
Breathwork is now regarded as an essential part of healing, from corporate wellness retreats to trauma recovery centers. It is also utilized in:
- Yoga studios
- Rehabilitation centers
- Integrative therapy clinics
- Spiritual workshops
It is more mainstream now than it has ever been, all thanks to social media influencers and celebrities.
Breathe Your Way to Wellness
And why not – it works.
Breathwork therapy has a major advantage – it is flexible. There is no need to attend workshops or retreats to reap the benefits. With a little training and practice, you can incorporate short breathwork sessions into your day.
You’ll find techniques that fit your needs, whether it’s box breathing before an important meeting or a guided session at night. And unlike several other therapies, breathwork is accessible – all you need is your breath and a willingness to show up. Being active with your breath and engaging with your body will require a bit of effort at first. But the more you engage with your breath, the more aligned you will get with your body’s signals, emotions, and stress levels.
A New Path to Emotional Wellness
In this day and age that feels emotionally chaotic, fragmented, and fast paced, breathwork therapy provides a form of healing. This serves as a mental reset of sorts. It is a reminder that healing does not have to always be intricate or require a discussion. Sometimes, it can be as profound as breathing intentionally.
For anyone wondering what breathwork therapy is, it is a practice that goes beyond just another wellness trend — it has the power to transform lives and facilitate deep healing.