What is Breathwork?

A simple introduction into the art of breathing

Along with mindfulness and yoga, Breathwork circles are increasingly found. Breathwork is described by Forbes as the new high performance habit. And all over the world you see people getting high on their own supply with the Wim Hof method.

But what actually is Breathwork and why is there such a hype about it?

Meaning of Breathwork

The term “Breathwork” generally refers to exercises that you do with your breath. This can be, for example, changing the rhythm and depth of the inhale and exhale. In general, Breathwork can be divided into two areas: Pranayama (yogic breathing techniques) and conscious connected breathing (also known as holotropic breathing). Other practices from other traditions, such as Tummo from Tibetan Buddhism, as well as areas from sports, such as freediving, are also receiving increasing attention.

Pranayama

Pranayama is a part of the 8 limbs on the path of yoga. The best known of these is Asana, the physical practice of yoga. The word Pranayama comes from Sanskrit and means: “Prana” the vital life force and “Yama” control. Meaning the breath helps us to lift up our life force. Pranayama helps the practitioner to consciously direct his breath and to understand the quality of it.

One controls the duration of the inhale and exhale, the depth, the frequency and often the retention of the breath is involved. It is an uplifting and lifelong practice. The techniques vary depending on the time of day and intention. For example, one might choose more of an energizing practice in the morning and a calming one in the evening.

Conscious Connected Breathwork

Conscious Connected Breathwork found popularity in the 1960s after research and therapy with psychedelics was banned. With Holotropic Breathwork and Rebirthing, Stanislav and Christina Grof, Leonard Orr and Sondra Ray were the four main people who paved the way for numerous other branches today.

All types of Conscious Connected Breathwork have their own characteristics. However, they all have in common the conscious breathing in a non-natural rhythm (controlled hyperventilation) and the change of the mental-body-emotional state. In addition to group settings, connected breathing is often practiced in a one-on-one setting as an alternative form of therapy.

Do you want to experience the effects of Breathwork yourself? Then contact me for a 1:1 Session at info@breathatelier.com