Skip to content

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

What does breathwork mean to you?

Testimonials from IBF Members

Breathwork is one of the safest and most direct ways to explore our bodies, minds, emotions and spirituality.

Beyond the basic need for survival, humans are unique in our ability to consciously change our breathing. As we grow and develop, we learn to hold or control our breathing in order to manage our emotions. We develop breathing habits which help us to manage our emotions in order to fit in with the expectations of others. These habits become automatic behaviours and define how we make our way in the world.

In this way, breathing acts as a bridge between the physical body, our thoughts and emotions and how we interact and connect with the world around us. Breathing is the bridge between our conscious and subconscious experiences.

Dr Philippa C R Wheble
Executive Team
IBF

Breathwork allows you to be free and enjoy life to the fullest.

It is one of the ways to connect with your own and the overall divine energy and to be connected with who you really are. On the way you get insights about yourself and you are able to get rid of old negative energy blocking patterns. It allows you to be free and enjoy life to the fullest.

Geert De Vleminck
Chair, Executive Team
IBF
IBF International Breathwork Foundation
IBF Logo

© IBF International Breathwork Foundation 2023 (all rights reserved)