What is Breathwork?
Breathwork is trending all over social media right now. But what is breathwork, and why is it trending? Often, people associate this “new trend” of breathing exercises and breathing to heal with meditation practices. But that’s not exactly accurate. Breathwork is a field all its own. While closely affiliated and often confused with yoga and meditation, breathwork and breathing exercises can be done effectively without combining them with other physical or mental exercise practices. Breathwork stands alone as a healing modality and tool for physical and mental fitness. By regulating your breathing through various techniques, you can improve your overall health. Breathwork consists of breathing exercises, done with or without meditation, that will help you achieve balance over your body and mind.
You can think of breathwork exercises as lifeblood enhancers since they increase the capability of the body to bring in more oxygen. You won’t realize the power of breathwork unless you start doing the exercises. Breathwork is one of the most uncomplicated and natural ways to enhance your mental, physical, and spiritual health.
The History of Breathwork
Over the centuries, most people have pursued mental well being through various meditative practices. Breathwork resurfaced from diverse ancient cultures and religions. It’s mostly rooted in the Eastern practices of Tai Chi, Buddhism, or yoga but historically it also includes Qigong, Sufism, Taoism, Hinduism, Christianity, and even martial arts. And, apart from the “spiritual” benefits, breathwork has gained popularity for its guaranteed health benefits.
During Western civilization, the popularity of breathwork plummeted. But in the 1960s, 4 individuals, namely Christine Grof, Leonard Orr, Sundra Ray, and Stanislav Grof helped to renew the popularity of breathwork. Since then, many techniques have been introduced, and breathwork has become a “new” trend that has caught on around the world.
Why Is Breathwork Trending?
We all seem to be on the run constantly, while our mental and physical condition keeps deteriorating. Breathwork has become a shortcut for stress relief. Our generation has chosen to embrace breathwork.
The modern practices are so easy that you can do them in 2 minutes segments or go for a bit longer 10 minute, 20 minute, or even 1-hour sessions. You can even multitask, and do your breathwork at your desk during your workday!
Our stress levels reach their peak during working hours. By simply controlling your breath through alternating patterns, lengths, inhalation, exhalation, or even retention, you can reduce your stress levels and relax!
Yes, breathwork classes, or working with a certified breath coach is always best. Especially when you are trying to figure out which breathing exercises are right for you. Just as people work with personal trainers at the gym to get a jumpstart on their physical fitness, working with a breathing instructor can help you fast track your breathing workouts and personalize your experience.
Benefits of Breathwork
While breathwork is often confused with yoga, it is just as powerful and has just as many health benefits. Outlined below are some of the major benefits that you can reap from formal and continued breathwork practice:
Breathwork alters your PH level
Breathing enhances your respiratory system’s ability to transport oxygen to your body’s cells. When you control your breathing process, maintaining a rhythm, your body goes through physiological changes leading to respiratory alkalosis. When you exhale CO2, through breathwork you are draining out the unwanted acid, thereby balancing your blood PH level.
Breathwork has neurological benefits
You can provide a support system to your muscles through appropriate breathwork. During breathing exercises, a calcium deficit is first experienced in the bloodstream that sends signals to your neurons. This is when you may get tingling sensations. Your neurological system responds and helps tone your muscles through contraction and relaxation.
Breathwork boosts blood circulation
This process has proven to be effective for people suffering from hypertension or stress. Deep abdominal breathing upgrades your body’s relaxation response, improving blood circulation and reducing pressure.
Breathwork curbs negative mood
Whether you are grief-stricken, receive unannounced anxiety attacks or are a warrior trying to combat depression, breathwork helps relieve all. Our breathing pattern mirrors our inner feelings. For example, quick, shallow breathing signals anxiety or fear. Breathwork activates our parasympathetic nervous system which lowers the heartbeat and blood pressure, giving you a sense of relaxation.
Do You Need A Breathwork Coach?
For best results, you should ensure that you are practicing breathwork properly. It is wise to look for a breathwork coach.
Make sure your breathwork instructor has completed the proper training and holds relevant certifications. The guidance you’ll receive from a certified breathing coach will help you experience the benefits of breathwork to the fullest.
Your “guru” will experience the entire journey along with you and help you reach your deepest levels of healing. It is perfectly normal to get distracted mid-sessions, which is why you need support from an experienced professional.
Recommendation
Now that you know more about breathwork and why it’s trending, it’s time for you to jump in and try it. Manipulating your breath for mental and physical well being is a simple task that takes practice to master. While the basics may seem simple, it’s always recommended that you learn with the expert guidance of a coach. Enjoy the journey!
You can also read: Why Should You Hire A Breathing Coach?