Understanding Breathwork:
An Ancient Practice for Modern Times
Breathing is a biological function that most people tend to forget about. Breathwork involves many different breathing techniques of which many are centred around deep diaphragmatic breathing which enhances your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. For centuries, cultures worldwide have implemented breathwork to calm the mind, regulate the body's energy, and focus on the present moment. Various breathwork techniques are available, including holotropic breathwork, rebirthing, transformational breathing, pranayama in yoga, and shamanic breathwork, each with its unique effect on the body-mind.
The breathwork technique that I mostly use is "Breathfulness Harmonised Breathing," which involves circular, rhythmic breathing through the mouth, with slow full inhalations, relaxed exhalations, and no pauses. It is slightly different from Transformational Breathing as it is at a slower pace.
Your breath merges the physical, emotional, and spiritual components of your being, making it a powerful force in your life. "Breathfulness Harmonised Breathing" is a stunning and transformative self-healing approach that enables you to get out of your head and into your body, promoting overall well-being.
A little progress
each day
Adds up to big results
FAQ's
Hyperventilation vs Breathwork: Understanding the Difference
Many people wonder about the difference between hyperventilating and breathwork. Hyperventilating is an involuntary process that occurs when you exhale more oxygen than you are taking in, resulting in a decrease in the amount of gas in the blood. This can lead to a range of symptoms such as light-headedness, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, and chest muscle soreness, among others.
On the other hand, breathwork is a controlled and intentional practice that involves taking in as much oxygen as possible to achieve physical and mental benefits. By influencing the body's chemistry, breathwork can help reduce stress, increase energy, improve focus, and lower anxiety. Although you may experience some numbness or tingling in your extremities during the process, you are always in control, and everything returns to normal once you resume your regular breathing pattern. In contrast to hyperventilation, breathwork is slower and more deliberate, with noticeable positive effects on both the body and mind.
Understanding the Impact of Breathwork on the Body
During a breathwork session, the body undergoes a series of changes. By breathing deeply with an open mouth, the body takes in more oxygen than usual, which increases the oxygenation of the blood and cells. This stimulates the hypothalamus gland, releasing endorphins that help to reduce the brain's control over the body.
As the body relaxes, blood flow increases, toxins are released, and lung tissue expands. Clients may experience various sensations throughout the session, feeling energy moving throughout their body or becoming aware of emotions that have been suppressed for a long time.
As the nervous system slows down, clients often feel a tangible sense of dropping into their bodies, feeling grounded and connected with their surroundings. The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) responsible for the fight-or-flight response deactivates, while the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) associated with rest-and-digest activates.
By the end of the session, clients have entered a deep state of relaxation, having successfully activated their parasympathetic nervous system and deactivated their sympathetic nervous system.
What Does a Typical Breathwork Session Entail?
A typical breathwork session commences with coaching on the areas that you'd like to work on, which usually takes around 20 minutes. You'll then set an intention for the session, focusing on something you'd like to incorporate more of in your life, such as balance, joy, or calmness. The breathing session takes place with you lying on a massage table, so we recommend wearing comfortable clothes that allow for deep breathing without any restrictions from tight pants or belts.
I will guide and facilitate your active breathing, using acupressure, affirmations, and sound, and there will be active music to help you with your breathing. After approximately 35 minutes, you'll return to your normal breathing and enter a meditative state where you may experience insights or complete peace. This is where integration occurs, as your body is open and expanded, and you have a deep connection to your higher self, allowing for messages and insights to come in.
I'll give you ample time to integrate everything before you open your eyes again. Most people come out of the meditative state feeling refreshed, insightful, and full of emotion. Each experience is unique since you'll receive what you need to receive at that moment. We'll chat about what happened during the session, and I'll provide feedback on your breathing patterns and tips on how you can expand your breathing further at home
Practicing Breathwork On Your Own : A Guide
If you're looking to practice Breathwork on your own, there are various breathing exercises that you can try out, depending on your breathing patterns. However, the simplest exercise is to start by placing one hand on your belly and another on your chest and then taking deep breaths from your abdominal area. Every inhalation will cause your abdominal area to expand, and every exhalation will cause it to decrease. If you do this daily for five minutes, you'll immediately start to feel a more expansive breath, and your energy will start to shift positively.
For the best results, try to make a daily habit of practicing Breathwork twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. Similar to brushing your teeth, this will help to enhance your sleep, increase your energy levels, and improve your overall mood.
Although you'll eventually be able to practice Breathwork on your own after attending a few facilitated breathing sessions, working with a breathwork coach is still recommended because they can use acupressure points to identify where energy is blocked and work on that area more effectively than you can on your own.
Let's work together to unlock a happier, healthier and more fulfilling life
Balance Matters provides personalised Group Breathing Sessions with a maximum of six members, combining the benefits of collective energy with individualised attention.
ZAR 300 PER PERSON FOR EACH SESSION
Experience a monthly rejuvenating Breath and Bowls Session that combines breathwork, crystal bowls sound therapy, and meditation to promote balance and renewal.
ZAR 400 PER PERSON FOR EACH SESSION
