The rediscovered art of breathwork
Throughout history people have turned to breathwork in the pursuit of well-being and self-discovery.
Ancient beginnings
Breath-centered practices and meditations had been known to humanity since the beginning of time. They can be found in many ancient cultures and religions such as Taoism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Yoga, Qigong, Shamanism, and even martial arts. Many of these cultures and religions used breathing techniques for similar reasons as modern breathwork – to alter consciousness for spiritual purposes, self-discovery, and healing.
But what makes breathing so special?
Benefits for the body:
detoxifies, rejuvenates and vitalizes
boosts immunity
helps in pain relief
Why is breathing so important?
Breathing is the only physiological function that can be performed both willingly and involuntarily. Most of us take shallow chest inhales in our daily lives. Studies show that more than 90% of adults use less than 50% of their breathing capacity! Insufficient oxygen intake severely impacts our health. And that is just the beginning. Unconstructive breathing patterns can prompt our body to stay in survival mode, contributing to restlessness, anxiety and increased cortisol levels.
Therefore, breathing is not just ‘something that keeps us alive’, it plays a crucial role in maintaining physiological and psychological balance. It is the gateway to control and regulate our overall well-being.
Consider this!
Breathing provides the body with a continuous supply of oxygen, which is essential for cellular respiration.
Breathing facilitates the removal of carbon dioxide, therefore maintaining the body's acid-base balance and prevents the buildup of toxins.
Deep, diaphragmatic breathing can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and reducing stress.
In mindfulness and meditation, focusing on the breath can help bring awareness to the present moment, enhance concentration, and promote a sense of calm and clarity.
Proper breathing ensures efficient oxygen exchange in the lungs and helps maintain optimal heart rate and blood pressure.
By regulating the breath, individuals can influence the emotional response, helping to calm the mind and improve emotional well-being.
In summary, breathing is not just a physiological necessity; it plays a vital role in promoting overall health, well-being, and emotional balance. It is no surprise that our ancestors, predating the era of scientific discoveries, practiced breathwork as a means to maintain their health.
Benefits for the mind:
connects body and mind
regulates nervous system
facilitates trauma release
What is breathwork?
Breathwork refers to any practice that focuses on conscious control and manipulation of breathing patterns to alter mental or physical state of an individual. These techniques often focus on intentional breathing exercises, rhythmic patterns, and mindful breath awareness.
While there are multiple breathing techniques, like Pranayama that you may know from yoga, or Box Breathing from your favorite mediation app, in here we will focus on Conscious Connected Breathing (CCB) and more specifically on Holosomatic Breathing.
Conscious Connected Breathing (CCB) is a form of therapeutic breathwork that involves a continuous, rhythmic pattern of breathing without pauses between inhalation and exhalation. The emphasis is often on deep, diaphragmatic breathing, allowing the breath to reach into the lower lungs. Breathwork facilitators believe that the increased intake of oxygen during the practice can stimulate the release of stored emotions, memories, and physical tensions. That is why every breathing session should be concluded with an integration stage assisted by the facilitator.
Benefits for the soul:
connects with the divine energy
enables spiritual awakening
improves mental clarity
releases creativity
Holosomatic Breathing
Holosomatic Breathing is a form of CCB in which next to the above-mentioned strategies, we engage music and other sensory experiences to create a fully immersive experience. ‘Holos’ in ancient Greek means ‘whole’ while ‘soma’ refers to ‘body’, therefore holosomatic breathing is meant to be a truly whole-body experience.
Holosomatic Breathing is often used as a tool for personal growth, healing, and exploration of the psyche. It draws on the belief that accessing non-ordinary states of consciousness can lead to insights and healing on emotional, psychological, and spiritual levels. It is important to understand that such sessions on their own constitute only half of the work. Uncovering aspects of our being and identifying limiting beliefs alone is not enough. Coaching complements breathwork by helping individuals set intentions and concentrate on them during sessions. This combined approach allows people to address and work through whatever comes up.
Conclusions
While the benefits of breathwork sound impressive and allow many people face their fears in a safe, compassionate environment, it's essential to note that experiences and results of Holosomatic Breathing can vary widely among individuals, hence the practice may not be suitable for everyone.
In a fast-paced world where stress and disconnection prevail, the art and science of breathwork offer a sanctuary for individuals seeking balance. As these techniques continue to gain popularity, it becomes increasingly clear that the simple act of breathing is a powerful tool to unlock our potential, guiding us on a journey of self-exploration and holistic wellness.