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Writer's pictureShama Zeynep Anaydin

What Is Breathwork? A Beginner's Guide to This Transformative Practice


breathwork Vancouver

Hi everyone,


Today, I'm excited to share some insights into a practice that has profoundly impacted my life and the lives of many others: Breathwork. Everyone breathes, but has one ever wondered how one's breathing process may be affecting his/her health? Breathwork is not simply the process of inhaling and exhaling; it is the use of the breath to create both physical and psychological health. If you are interested in breathwork therapy in Vancouver, seeking to learn about breathwork Vancouver, or want to know how to breathe properly, this blog will give you some insights about equip you with all the necessary information about breathwork.


What is Breathwork?

Breathwork is a technique where one is fully aware of his breathing and consciously directs it in order to achieve certain changes in his physical, emotional or mental state. condition. It is rooted in the belief that it is possible to control the body's reaction to stress by controlling the manner in which one breathes. At its core, breathwork is not a single method, but rather a set of methods and practices aimed at expanding the use of breaths.


In its simplest form, breathwork is simply the practice of paying attention to the way we breathe, and how we can use our breath to help us heal. This awareness can help you make profound changes in your life and enhance your physical and mental well-being. When different breathing patterns are practised in daily life, it is possible to have deep transformations in the emotional and physical health.


Why is Breathwork Important?

Breathwork is important because it offers a range of benefits that can enhance your quality of life. Here's why it's worth paying attention to:


Stress Reduction: Probably the most famous advantage of breathwork is stress reduction. Stress also causes our breathing to become shallow and rapid, and this is not good for the anxiety that one is experiencing. Breathwork also assists in engaging the parasympathetic system, aids in relaxation, and counteracts stress.

Embodiment:  The main problem of our new way of living is disconnecting from our bodies and getting too much activated in our minds. Through focusing on our breathing we can access more to feeling our body, sensations and process our emotions. Improved Mental Clarity: Breathwork has many benefits, one of which is sharpening the mind. Enhancing the oxygen supply to the brain can enhance thinking and focusing and reduce fogginess. This can be particularly useful in situations that require quick and correct decision-making.


Emotional Balance: Some individuals claim that breathwork assists them in releasing suppressed feelings and emotions. Breathwork can also help with emotional healing as it enables one to work through the issues that may be holding him or her back emotionally. This can promote improved psychological well-being and an enhanced emotional state.


Physical Health Benefits: Proper breathing helps with different aspects of physical health. It can increase oxygen delivery to the cells, boost circulation, and even promote general well-being. Breathwork can also be used to release tension in the muscles and get rid of headaches associated with stress.


Common Breathwork Techniques

There are several breathwork techniques, each with its own unique benefits. Here are a few popular ones to get you started:


Diaphragmatic Breathing: Often termed as diaphragmatic breathing, this technique is one that involves the use of the diaphragm and not chest muscles to breathe. To practice, tap one hand on the chest and the other on the lower abdomen. Breathe in through your nose and allow your diaphragm to expand more than your chest cavity. Breathe out slowly through your mouth. It is useful in helping the patient to relax and also increase oxygen levels in the body.


Box Breathing: In this technique, one is supposed to take a deep breath, hold it, release it, and then hold it again, all in the count of four. Box breathing is used to control the breath and reduce the tension of the nervous system. It is most effective for anxiety and stress.


Alternate Nostril Breathing: In this technique, one of the nostrils is covered while the other is used to breathe in and out. It assists in regulating the energy in your body and is useful for the mind. To practise, pinch your right nostril with your thumb and breathe in through your left nostril, then plug your left nostril with your ring finger and breathe out through your right nostril. Do the same with the right nostril, then with the left one.


Holotropic Breathwork: This is an advanced technique of hyperventilation where one breathes faster and deeper to reach certain levels of consciousness. It is frequently applied in the context of psychotherapy to uncover further psychodynamic processes. Holotropic breathwork should not be practiced without the help of a professional who will guide the subject through the process.


Breathwork Therapy in Vancouver

For those of you in Vancouver, breathwork therapy presents a chance to try these practices with the help of a professional. Shama Somatic Therapies is a breathwork healing therapy service that is focused on helping you attain your health and fitness goals. Every breathwork session is unique depending on the client's needs; it can be for stress management, mental clarity, or emotional issues.


What to Expect During a Breathwork Session?


If you're considering booking a breathwork session in Vancouver, here's what you can typically expect:


Initial Consultation: Before each session, we discuss your objectives and any issues you may have. This is beneficial because it allows the session to be directed based on your requirements, ensuring you get the most out of the practice.


Guided Breathing Exercises: During the session, I will help you learn different breathing exercises relevant to your objectives. These exercises will assist you in focusing on your breath and feeling the changes it brings about.


Integration and Reflection: Following the breath work exercises, we shall allow time for the reflection of the session. This may include sharing any ideas or feelings that arose in the course of the session. It's a chance to think over and reflect on what has happened.


Ongoing Support: Breathwork is a lifelong practice, and having someone to guide you through the process can be helpful. We also provide support for future sessions to help you maintain your practice and gain the full benefits of the treatment.


Conclusion

Breathwork is one of the most effective practices for improving physical and psychological health. If you pay more attention to how you breathe and start practicing breathing exercises, you will be surprised how drastically your life can change for the better.


If you want to learn more about breathwork, feel free to attend a breathwork session in Vancouver with Shama Somatic Therapies. Shama’s breathwork therapy Vancouver aims to develop the breath to achieve the client's wellness objectives.


Do not let your breathing habits be a limiting factor in your life. Begin your path to transformational breathwork now and see the difference it can make. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or if you want to book a session. I am always here for you and will do my best to help you throughout the process!

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