What is Breathwork therapy?

Created by Vibravision Team, Modified on Mon, Apr 3, 2023 at 8:33 AM by Vibravision Team

Breathwork therapy is an alternative treatment that uses specific breathing techniques to improve mental and physical wellbeing. The therapy is also sometimes called rebirthing, because the deep, rhythmic breathing associated with it resembles the way we breathe when we’re born.

Breathwork therapy is said to have a number of benefits, including reducing stress and anxiety, promoting relaxation, and increasing energy levels. It may also help to ease symptoms of conditions such as depression, PTSD, and addiction.

How Does It Work?

Breathwork therapy is based on the principle that our breath is connected to our emotions and our state of mind. By changing the way we breathe, we can change the way we feel.

The specific breathing techniques used in breathwork therapy can vary, but they all involve breathing deeply and rhythmically through the nose. This type of breathing is said to stimulate the sympathetic nervous system and release tension from the body.

During a breathwork session, you’ll lie down and focus on your breath while a therapist guides you through the breathing exercises. The therapist may also play music or use aromatherapy to help you relax.

Most sessions last for around 60 minutes, although some may be shorter or longer. It’s common to feel dizzy or lightheaded during or after a session, and you may also experience an emotional release.

What Are the Benefits?

Breathwork therapy is said to offer a range of potential benefits, both mental and physical.

Mental health benefits:

Reduced stress and anxiety: Breathwork has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety levels in both animal and human studies.
Improved mood: Some small studies have found that breathwork may help to improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression.
Eased PTSD symptoms: One study found that a single session of breathwork was effective at reducing PTSD symptoms in war veterans.

Physical health benefits:

Increased energy levels: Some people report feeling more energetic after breathwork sessions, likely due to the release of tension from the body.
Improved circulation: Breathwork may help to improve circulation by stimulating the sympathetic nervous system.
Reduced pain: Some research has found that breathwork may help to reduce pain perception.

Is It Safe?

Breathwork therapy is generally considered safe for healthy adults. However, it’s not recommended for pregnant women or those who have heart conditions or other serious medical conditions. If you have any concerns about whether breathwork is right for you, speak to your doctor before trying it.