Breathwork is an active meditation that offers a full-body experience, ideal for those who find traditional meditation challenging. Unlike other styles of meditation, breathwork doesn’t rely on willpower to quiet the mind. Instead, it uses accelerated breathing with evocative music to transcend conscious boundaries. This practice evokes emotions and sensations, accessing buried memories and insights. It leads to profound healing and a deeper connection to your true self by healing your nervous system and subconscious.
Breathwork might seem like the latest craze, but trust me, it's been around for thousands of years. Dating back to 2700 B.C.E. in China and 3000 B.C.E. in India. Folks have been diving into breathwork for ages, tracing its roots back to the ancient practices of yoga.
Now, the gist of breathwork? It's all about giving your body a good cleanse with every exhale, flushing out those toxins and waving goodbye to stress. Then, with each inhale, you're feeding your mind and body with some much-needed nourishment. There are dozens of breathwork techniques. All beneficial in their own ways.
Sure, breathwork has evolved over time to keep up with the times. But one thing's for sure: the benefits.
“According to research, breathwork may:
boost mood
decrease high blood pressure
deepen relaxation
help with symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
improve alertness, focus, and memory
increase heart rate variability (a metric associated with longevity, fitness, and mental health)
promote creativity
promote quality sleep
reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression
reduce symptoms of stress
reduce anxiety
reduce depression
improve mood regulation
reduce perceived stress
improve job satisfaction
Overall, breathwork meditation is a free, low risk activity that may improve your mental state as well as your physical health.” - Healthline
