What is Breathwork?
It’s becoming widely acknowledged that engaging in conscious breathing practices gives us the power to transform our wellbeing on every level. But what is it, and how does it work?
Breath serves as a bridge between body and mind, grounding us in the present moment and creating harmony between our thoughts and physical sensations. It connects our inner emotional state with the external world. When we’re breathing well we respond to life’s challenges rather than react impulsively, enabling us to navigate life with greater awareness, balance, and purpose.
Through conscious breathing practices we can directly influence our nervous system, enhancing physical, emotional, and mental health. It allows us to transition from states of chaos and stress into calm and relaxation, or shift from a state of shutdown and disengagement to one of activation, empowerment, and mental clarity.
Breathwork also unites modern science with ancient wisdom, linking physiological understanding with timeless mindfulness practices. Techniques have been proven to enhance general well-being and happiness while alleviating symptoms associated with menopause, stress, anxiety, insomnia, depression, PTSD, ADHD, inflammation, low immunity, digestive issues and so much more.
Both realms recognise that the breath is a vital key to wellbeing, inner peace, and a deeper connection to the world around us. So by working with the breath, we can not only manage stress but also cultivate emotional balance and a more harmonious way of living.
A private breathwork session can be a gentle, yet profound experience. You will feel the shifts taking place in your body and being, and if you choose to follow a programme of sessions, you will notice your life transform.
Breathwork Benefits
Breathwork offers a holistic approach to wellbeing. Consciously changing how you breathe works on three different levels. These are some of the reported benefits:
Mentally and Emotionally
- Process or heal emotional pain and trauma
- Manage stress, anxiety and overwhelm
- Improved mental clarity, awareness and focus
- Better decision-making and memory
- Increased confidence, inner strength and resilience
- Fired-up creativity and personal growth
- Feel empowered to handle challenges and life transitions
- Release energetic blocks and patterns of self-sabotage
- Feelings of calm, joy and wellbeing
- Feeling more grounded, present and safe in your body
- Changes in perspective and new insights
- Freedom from self-limiting thoughts and patterns
- Self-belief to follow one’s passions, goals and aspirations
- Increased self-awareness, self-trust and self worth
- Deeper connection to yourself and improved relationships
- Self-compassion and self-acceptance
- Transform grief and loss; make space for new beginnings
- Able to cope with life’s pressures and find inner peace
Physically
- Improved breathing, increased energy and vitality
- Reduction of physical pain and tension
- Strengthened immune system
- Detoxification of the body
- Better sleep and restored circadian rhythm
- Soothed and regulated nervous system
- Lowered heart rate and blood pressure
- Reduced levels of stress hormones in the blood
- Relief from the symptoms of menopause
- Freedom from burnout
- Improved overall well-being and quality of life.
Spiritually
- Increased intuition
- Heart opening and expanding
- Spiritual awakening and growth
- Experience higher states of consciousness
- Find alignment and experience more flow in life
- Clarity about how to share your gifts with the world
- Connection with a deeper/higher sense of self
FAQs
You may have a question about breathwork. Here are some of the most common things people ask. If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact me.
What will I experience during the session?
Every breathwork session is different because what we work with depends on what you’re dealing with in your life situation, what your intentions are and what obstacles you perceive are in the way of how you want to b.
You may experience a variety of physical sensations such as tingling, warmth, coolness, tension, inner resistance, numbness, or an energetic surge. On an emotional level, you could feel anything from deep calm and clarity to a wave of intense emotions, including joy, sadness, anger, or even profound emotional release.
Breathwork often allows you to access buried feelings, bringing up emotions that may surprise you, or providing a sense of peace and emotional freedom as they are processed and released.
This will be a confidential safe space and anything that does surface is considered welcome, valid and part of your process.
What should I do after a breathwork session?
Take a few moments to relax and integrate the experience. Hydrate with water and take it easy for the rest of the day if you can. Journaling about your experience or taking a walk can also help process emotions and sensations.
Be gentle with yourself for the next day or so following a breathwork session as it can take a while for things to integrate and other emotions can rise to the surface.
This is an important part of the process, so if you do feel more intense emotions, then just remember to breathe! Practice the breathing techniques you learned whichwill help to clear the emotional charge from your system.
How do I prepare for the session?
Come prepared with a clear focus for the session. It helps to spend some quiet time beforehand feeling into what you’d like to work on.
Come hydrated, but eat and drink only lightly before the session, avoiding food 1-2 hours before to prevent discomfort and allow for a deeper, more focused experience.
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows you to breathe freely.
Have some water on hand to hydrate after the session and possibly a notebook or journal.
Give yourself space to just be after the session ends to allow for further integration or to journal any thoughts and impressions.
How do I set up for an online session?
To prepare for an online breathwork session, follow these steps:
Choose a warm, comfortable and quiet place where you won’t be disturbed.
Download and install the Zoom app on your device (laptop, tablet, or phone). You can find it here.
Before the session, check your internet connection is stable and strong to avoid interruptions and ensure that your audio and video are working properly – logging in 5-10 minutes early will give you time to check your tech setup, settle in, and begin in a calm state.
After booking the session, you’ll receive a Zoom link in your confirmation email. Simply click the link to join, and if prompted, enter the meeting ID or passcode provided.
Prepare the Room by making any adjustments you’d like to create a calming atmosphere. Make yourself comfortable either by sitting or lying down on a bed, sofa, cushions or a yoga mat.
Position your camera so that I can see you breathe – from the head to your belly. Make sure you are well-lit – wearing a dark top against a dark background, for example, makes it hard to see you breathe clearly.
Have some water on hand, and possibly a notebook or journal in case you want to make a note of anything that comes up.
Is breathwork safe for everyone?
I am a trauma-informed fully insured and certified breathwork facilitator, and while breathwork is generally safe, certain people should consult with a healthcare provider before participating, such as those with heart conditions, severe mental health conditions, or respiratory issues. Women in their first trimester of pregnancy should also seek medical advice before joining a session.
Please note I cannot be held responsible for any mental, physical or emotional challenges that may arise, so before beginning any programme of 121 sessions or a group breathe, I will ask you about contraindicated health conditions.
You must confirm that you are suitably resourced (mentally, physically and emotionally) to take part, and let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
What if I have to cancel my session?
If you want to change or cancel the appointment you can do it up to 24 hours before the session, otherwise charges may apply.
How often should I practice breathwork?
This depends on your personal goals and needs. Some people benefit from daily practice, while others may find weekly or bi-weekly sessions effective. I will help you develop a practice that fits your lifestyle and needs.
