WHAT IS BREATHWORK?
Breathwork is the experiential field of study and practice that encompasses a variety of breathing techniques utilised individually and in groups, to cultivate self-awareness and the enhancement of physical, emotional, cognitive, or spiritual well-being.
Conscious breathing opens a channel to the deeper realities of life, providing the groundwork for personal development and reaching higher states of consciousness. When used in specific ways, conscious breathing allows us to release and resolve emotions, belief systems, stresses and memories which are often inaccessible through conventional talking therapies.
Breathwork creates a safe framework, which empowers the breather to explore their bodies, minds, emotions and spirituality by making conscious decisions about the way that they breathe and live. It can be used to enhance development and learning on all levels.
Some forms of breathwork have been shown to regulate and balance the autonomic nervous system with new studies demonstrating benefits for cardiovascular health, mental health, well-being and immunity.
Breathwork is now being taught all over the world.
The world of breathwork contains a diversity of approaches and schools. Among the most prominent are: Pranayama, Qigong, Coherent Breathing, Wim Hof Method and Rebirthing, otherwise known as Conscious Connected Breathing.
Compiled by Dr Pippa Wheble & Dr Ela Manga, IBF Science & Research Group