Breathwork for Healing
I wanted to share some of my thoughts after a beautiful experience at a recent workshop and a new modality I will begin introducing in the community called Conscious Connected Breathwork. To say this work has been life-changing and has the possibility of life-changing effects on others is an understatement.
Many of you know I have been practicing Tai Chi, Chi Gong, Reiki, meditation, mindfulness, and other natural healing modalities for over 20 years. I have studied the use of nutrition, herbs, essential oils, and a variety of movement-based modalities extensively to help you overcome the toughest challenges you face with your health and wellness goals. My goal continues to be the same, to seek healing modalities to help myself, my family, and as many people as possible live an active, healthy, and pain-free lifestyle.
One of the beautiful benefits of this work has been the many personal experiences I have received over the years with my practices. While my attention is always focused on patient care, I have been blessed with so many positive life changes because of this work that I naturally want to share it with others. I have learned so much from developing my self-care practices and from all the excellent teachers I have met who have led me through my personal development journey.
As I continue diving into my practice and having the opportunity to work with so many amazing people in our community and around the country, and the world, I continue to learn and develop the practices and habits that get the quickest desired results for myself and others.
One of the things I’ve had to realize in this work is that no matter how great a teacher or practitioner I can be, this will never replace the knowledge and skills YOU need to learn to achieve and maintain the results YOU hope for on a long-term basis. We must all learn how to build a practice and create a lifestyle that is unique to our individual goals.
I’ve found that many people struggle with maintaining their ideal lifestyle for many reasons. Once we realize the benefits of a well-rounded self-care practice that includes bodywork, mindfulness practices, healthy nutrition and sleep habits, and strength and conditioning, and we practice consistently, we will reap the benefits they provide. Living a healthy lifestyle is not just one-sided. There is more to health and wellness than fitness and nutrition alone.
While most people have great intentions of prioritizing their life, finding the right balance can be challenging. In addition, if we suffer from anxiety, depression, anger, remorse, guilt, addiction, pain, and unhealthy lifestyle choices, these can keep us from dedicating the time needed to heal properly from injury and creating programs that consider all the areas of our healing potential.
There is a great model called the biopsychosocial approach. This approach considers the biological, psychological, and social factors and their complex interactions in understanding illness, how practitioners deliver healthcare, and how the general public can create programs that get results.
For example, instead of only looking at our goals from the viewpoint of physical results, the biopsychosocial approach will consider how this affects us and how we approach our health including emotionally and psychologically.
Over the last several years, I have become more sensitive to how this shows up in myself and my clients. I have become a much bigger advocate for teaching mindfulness-based practices, including meditation, chi gong, reiki, life coaching, and different forms of breathwork.
The truth is, though, as a practitioner offering these types of services has been challenging to integrate because our society has quite a mixed viewpoint on their efficacy, their fear about the origins of these practices, and many times for those who practice a specific religion can often feel they are going against their belief system.
In addition to the cultural biases of these practices, achieving lasting results requires a consistent, almost daily practice. Natural-based healing modalities are not the first choice in people's medicine cabinets because most people don’t stick with them long enough to reap the long-term benefits they provide.
I’ve been fortunate to help so many people achieve results, and I give all my kudos to the work I’ve done personally and professionally. I believe people can heal from the most challenging illnesses when they participate fully in the process and build self-care routines that also focus on the deep inner work, including healing past or current trauma, stress, anxiety, insomnia, depression, relationships, guilt, and emotional turmoil.
Most people believe the emotional aspect of their health does not play a role in helping them achieve their goals. This is either because they have not yet had an amazing healing experience or they don’t believe it is possible for them.
I always advocate the importance of self-empowerment and the belief that we will heal and achieve our goals when we are determined. Self-empowerment means taking responsibility for your life and your health. This means participating in the process and not relying on others to fix you. You must be your own self-advocate.
Self-healing begins by believing in the possibility and having an open mind willing to explore not only the physical effects happening to us but also the emotional and psychological. I believe healing can happen, but unfortunately, due to many reasons, we can have past and current traumas, stress, and injuries that keep our attention fixated on the struggle rather than working to overcome these things and live a more healthy and wholesome life.
Wouldn’t it be great to build a lifestyle offering everyday relief from stress, depression, anxiety, and pain? Wouldn't it feel great to have the energy, enthusiasm, and creativity to achieve our goals more easily?
While nothing is guaranteed in this life, having an open mind and willingness to explore our lives and to consistently practice the self-care routines that offer us the results we hope for, taking the time to slow down will lead to a life that will leave you feeling more content, peaceful, and calmer. You may be surprised how your life can change when you take the time for yourself.
What is Breathwork?
Breathwork is an umbrella term - pretty much like “fitness.” It’s used to describe a LOT of different practices, but in general, the term means to control your breath consciously. I learned the particular breathwork style called “Conscious Connected Breathing” or “Circular Breathing.”
Why do people practice breathwork?
People practice breathwork for many reasons, but some common reasons to use this practice are to help with chronic pain, depression, grief, anxiety, trauma, and PTSD.
What are the benefits of breathwork?
There are many benefits that you can receive from doing breathwork. Some of the most commonly reported benefits include eliminating chronic pain, improving sleep, releasing trauma, and fear, increasing self-love, emotional balance, increased self-confidence, massive stress relief, and better interpersonal skills, exploring altered states of consciousness, increasing self-awareness, increasing energy, and boosting the immune system to name a few.
Are there contraindications to Breathwork?
Like everything, breathwork therapy is not for everyone. While there are some listed contraindications for breathwork, it is always best to consult with your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns. Before doing breathwork sessions, we discuss the benefits, safety concerns, and risks, just as if you were joining in on a fitness class.
What is the difference between the styles of Breathwork?
While there are some differences in approach to breathwork, including breathing style, cadence, in the nose or through the mouth, breath holds, etc., the main difference is between the theoretical and spiritual frameworks applied during the sessions. I approach Breathwork based on each person and their specific needs. Some people enjoy discussing their experiences, while others like keeping it personal. Both are excellent!
My experience with Breathwork
I have been practicing many forms of breathwork in meditation, Tai Chi, and Chi Gong, and through training in strength and conditioning. While the breathing techniques I have used in these practices are powerful, I have never had so many emotional experiences in a short time without much effort.
Now, the truth is breathwork is called breathWORK for a reason. To understand the technique, you have to attend a class. But the gist is this: you lie down and breathe through your mouth twice - once into your diaphragm, once into your chest - then let it all go with a short breath out. The active breathing routines last anywhere from 15-30 minutes.
For me personally, I experienced many cathartic moments, strong AHA moments about many personal things, and a more profound sense of connection with others. I felt that I could breathe deeper. Forgive more easily. I had this sense and experience of connection with others that included a more profound sensitivity and openness, and also moments of deep forgiveness toward myself and others. I was surprised at how quickly these moments happened and without the effort of having to communicate about them. My teacher says, "This work can feel like 20 years of therapy in one session.”
My current conclusion about Breathwork
For those that are willing to do the work and for those that are ready to commit to themselves with an open mind, this technique has the possibility of shifting many beautiful things for you.
While the breathwork itself can feel challenging, the benefits you can receive from this work are worth it. If you are up to a possible life-changing experience, this work may open up for you things you didn’t even know existed.
Imagine living a life that you feel deeply connected to. Imagine how it would feel to be open, sensitive, forgiving, loving, and happier in this life. For many of us, the traumas, fears, and experiences we had keep us from being able to rise above and enjoy a peaceful, stress-free life.
What if this more profound inner work led us to overcome our addictions, fears, and chronic pain, and we could heal and live a life we felt inspired to live?
I am excited to offer this new technique privately, for couples, and in groups. I will be offering classes, workshops, and even retreats shortly!
If you think you may benefit from breathwork sessions, please contact me so we can set up a time to chat and see if this modality is suitable for you!