PRANAYAMA BREATHWORK
WHAT IS BREATHWORK?
The term Breathwork refers to any type of breathing practice in which the conscious control of breathing is said to influence a person’s mental, emotional or physical state.
Breathwork is a powerful technique for exploration, discovery, healing, and personal growth. The breathing technique used is called Two-Stage Pranayama and consists of two inhales and one exhale, all through the mouth.
This circular connected breathing is done lying down, with eyes closed, while being guided by my voice and inspiring music.
It’s followed by a resting stage of relaxation and recovery called “Integration” where you go back to a natural nose breath and the body returns to its normal state.
The deep breathing leads to a change in the proportions of gases in the blood : increasing the levels of oxygen and decreasing the levels of carbon dioxide. This causes a controlled and voluntary comparison of “hyperventilation” ( which this is NOT- as you are always in full control of your breath) that naturally induces an altered state of consciousness to release deep-seated emotions.
It’s common for people to scream, cry, laugh hysterically, but also to have an intense physical experience where they might feel tingling, cramping, shivering, and even muscle spasms.
All these events are normal and necessary for the release of emotions. Many people often experience a state of well-being, calm, and clarity afterwards.
A single session is sometimes enough to create a significant change, but a regular Breathwork practice can have huge benefits in helping to overcome depression, managing addiction, connecting to the soul, improving sleep, boosting confidence, and reducing stress.
Two part breath promotes peace and immediately calms us down as we invite more oxygen into our body. It also connects us to our truth. Our answers lie within, we just need to gain access to them.
Taking full complete breaths actually changes you on a physiological level by creating a new balance between consciousness and unconsciousness, while restoring balance in the sympathetic (fight/flight) and the parasympathetic (relax / heal) nervous systems.
This breathing exercise releases oxytocin while managing and calming cortisol. Breathing from the belly unlocks blocked energy and other stresses, allowing you to open up space for solutions, inspiration, and hope. The benefits of this simple and safe practice are many and are often immediate.
FAQs
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- improves the functioning of all organs, as the body oxygenates and the diaphragm massages the stomach, small intestine, liver, pancreas and heart. It improves memory and digestion, fatigue is reduced, and promotes better sleep.
- facilitates the detoxification process by stimulating the lymphatic system as it releases carbon monoxide, which is important to fully release. Breathing allows for 70% of toxins to be cleansed from the body (the other 30% is released through bladder and bowels.)
-boost immunity by raising the pH to an alkaline state, increasing the body’s ability to kill bacteria.
-improves physical endurance and performance because the inhaled oxygen is given access to the deepest parts of the lungs, namely to the alveoli, which helps fuel the muscles. When muscles have insufficient oxygen, lactic acid builds up, creating cramps and temporary muscle soreness.
-increases energy due to the activation of the Parasympathetic Nervous System which helps relax the over-stressed adrenal glands. Oxygen provides 90% of the body’s energy.
-reduces stress and induces calm because the Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) is stimulated in an intentional and controlled way for a certain amount of time while breathing through the mouth, followed by a deliberate activation of the Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS) activation by breathing naturally through the nose for at least 10 minutes.
-bring clarity, focus and/or relaxation as the brain shuts off during the session and emotions are released. Carbon dioxide levels in the bloodstream drop, reducing the oxygen flow to the brain. The frontal part (analytical, intellectual) of the brain is put on standby to give way to the work of the subconscious mind. This is called Transient Hyper-Frontality. People may experience euphoria, a feeling of being invincible, a reduced state of discomfort, and even a loss in sense of time - physiologically similar to "runner's high".
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Breathwork is done fully dressed, lying down on your back while music is playing to help motivate, relax and release anything that’s stuck.
It’s powerful and often profound. It can start to feel challenging in the beginning, but after 5-8 minutes while it almost feels as if you’re drunk on your own energy. This breathing method modifies the blood flow and lowers carbon dioxide and can lead to an intense physical and emotional release. It’s normal to feel unusual physical sensations such as tingling, dizziness, shivering, or cramping; and unconscious crying or laughing may occur.
Some people may experience tetany, cramps or muscle spasms in the hands, feet or face, related to blocked energies, from anger to past traumas. This also might be due to an over-energized exhale, or a deficiency in magnesium, potassium or sodium in your body.
We will work together to push through this and as always we can stop at any time.
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Breathwork is an excellent practice if you're looking to release stress, enhance physical and mental endurance, and simply live a better life for any age.
However, it's important to understand that Two-Stage Breathwork, with its potential for intense physical and emotional release, is akin to a high-intensity workout.
For individuals with specific health concerns or those advised by their doctor against such activities, caution is warranted
If you fall into this category, it's advisable to refrain from attempting Breathwork without consulting your healthcare provider first.
I'm here to assist you, offering modified breathing techniques or guidance to ensure your safety and comfort. Your well-being is my priority, so feel free to reach out if you have any doubts or questions. Always consult your doctor if uncertain. If in doubt, consult your doctor.
Please consult your doctor or speak to me ahead of time if you have any of the following…
* History of cardiovascular disease, including angina or heart attack, high blood pressure, glaucoma, retinal detachment, severe case of osteoporosis.
* Significant recent physical injuries or surgery.
* Severe mental illness, seizure disorders or if you’re using major medications.
* Personal or family history of aneurysms.
* Pregnancy.
* Asthma
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I suggest to limit food at least 2 hours before class. If you eat before Breathwork, the blood will be diverted to the stomach for digestion and may prevent you from dropping into these non-ordinary-states. Drinking water before hand helps with dry throat.