Breath work is trending right now. You might have heard of it on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, or other platforms. It is not something new. In fact, it has been used for thousands of years across different cultures. If you are into health and wellness, you will find its history to be very interesting. Its resurgence is a great thing because it can help you overcome anxiety and foster tranquility.

What Is Breath Work?

Before we cover the history of breath work, it is important to understand what it is. It is usually described as any type of therapy that focuses on changes to the breathing pattern for improving physical, mental, and even spiritual well being. Its use is significant. There are countless ancient traditions that involve breathing exercises and mindfulness over the centuries.

Both Pranayama and Yogic practices focus on breathing exercises or breath-centered meditations. Similarly, martial arts, Shamanism, Christianity, Islam, Sufism, Taoism, and Buddhism also focus on breath work to some degree. We all breathe. However, the way we breathe makes a huge difference. The last 60 years have seen an interest in breath work. The consciousness-raising era of the 60s and 70s marked the beginning of modern breath work therapies that continue to be used to this day. Although the studies, scientific research, and programs have evolved with time, the purpose remains the same.

Ancient Breath Work

Are you curious about the connection between holistic healing and breathing exercises? Then, you need to dive deeper into the history of breath work. Traditional cultures have relied heavily on the breath. Not only is breathing seen as something that involves inhaling air into the lungs but it is also viewed as a spiritual life force.

In many languages such as Aramaic, Tibetan, Amazonian Quechua, Andean Quechua, and others, breath also means soul, spirit, and life. There is a strong connection between our breath, mind, and spirit. Ancient civilizations have always understood this and had included breathing exercises in daily practices. These cultures relied on different breathing techniques for achieving greater consciousness.  

It has also been widely used as a healing modality throughout most shamanic cultures throughout the world. Even though breathing techniques vary among cultures, the theme is the same, which is the use of breathing to facilitate transformation, healing, self-discovery, and more. 

Practice Today

Now that you know a little about the history of breath work, it’s about time that you put it to good use. You can book a session with a qualified instructor who can teach you different breathing exercises for achieving mindfulness, overcoming anxiety, and attaining holistic healing. It might just be what you need. Inquire at info@healingbreath.co

You can also read: How To Do Alternate Nostril Breathing