About breathwork

What is Breathwork?

Breathwork is the practice of using specific breathing techniques to enhance physical, spiritual, and emotional wellbeing. Humans have been using various types of breathwork for thousands of years across virtually all cultures.

Neurodynamic Breathwork (NDB) is a proven technique that can help you reach a heightened state of awareness. It quiets your busy mind and connects you to your inner wisdom or what is often referred to as your inner healer or Inner Guiding Intelligence (IGI). Think of it as tapping into the deep wisdom of your mind and body - the unconscious part that automatically keeps your body running smoothly.

Typically, our IGI operates below our conscious awareness, or it may show up as a faint “voice” of intuition. With regular breathwork sessions, you can strengthen your connection to your IGI so that you'll be able to access it more easily in your daily life, just by taking a few deep breaths.

  • Why do Breathwork?

Breathwork is similar to ancient practices such as meditation, yoga, tai chi, and the use of plant medicines that help one regulate the nervous system, achieve flow states, and enter expanded states of consciousness. Although we cannot guarantee any specific result, people who practice breathwork often report:

  • Gaining clarity on life issues

  • Relief of stress and worry

  • Releasing emotional blocks

  • Processing trauma, including generational trauma

  • Improving relationships with co-workers, friends, and family

  • Feeling less alone and more connected

  • Becoming more present, which helps them make better choices in both their work and personal lives

  • Some report positive physical benefits including lowered blood pressure, better sleep and relief of other symptoms frequently associated with stress

Let's take a deep breath together and see where the music leads us!

FAQ’s

Q: What if too much happens?

A: Your Inner Guiding Intelligence (IGI) will only bring up what you're ready to process. NDB is an exercise in learning to surrender to and trust the process. However, if you ever feel unsafe, let the facilitator know immediately. Before your session starts, I’ll give you specific instructions about how to do that.  At any time, you can slow down your breathing to a normal rhythm to lessen the intensity.

Q: What if nothing happens?

A: You'll know you're on the right track when your mind chatter quiets down, and you feel calmer and more present. If you feel like "nothing is happening", try dropping into whatever emotion you are experiencing, such as frustration that nothing is happening. Let that feeling be as intense as it needs to be. You can also try making sounds to help your body release. Although it may seem like nothing is happening, you may have new insights later after the session. There is always something to learn.

Q: What is the preferred position for Breathwork?

A:There are no hard and fast rules about this. Most people prefer to lie down, either on a thick mat or on a bed or sofa. The main thing to consider, particularly if you are tired, is that you might fall asleep more easily if you are doing a session on your bed. While this isn’t a bad thing necessarily, if your intention is to get the most out of the session, you might want to avoid this temptation by sitting in a recliner or lying on a mat – somewhere your body doesn’t associate with sleep. If you do fall asleep, it’s not the end of the world. Trust the wisdom of your body. The main thing is to choose a position where you will be comfortable for about an hour.

Q: What is Yoga Nidra?

A: Yoga Nidra is a profound state of relaxation that some people experience during breathwork. In a way it may feel like you have gone to sleep. You often wake up with a bit of a start from yoga Nidra or from having fallen asleep, however, when you awake from Yoga Nidra, you often feel clear and refreshed, whereas waking from sleep may leave you feeling a bit groggy and disoriented. Whatever happens, it’s important to trust your body.

Q: Do I need a doctor’s permission or clearance?

A: Hundreds of thousands of people have experienced Neurodynamic Breathwork with no ill effects. However, there are some contraindications that could make it inadvisable to do breathwork in this particular online setting. If, after hearing the introductory session and filling out your Health Screen, you have ANY questions or concerns, I ask that you contact me to discuss your questions and concerns. In certain circumstances, I might recommend that you check in with your doctor first.

Q: What if I have a cold or breathing condition?

A: If you have asthma on occasion, or have had it in the past, as long as it’s been well controlled, it’s okay to do breathwork; however, please have your inhaler with you in easy reach. If you have a cold, I encourage you to listen to your body. Sometimes this type of breathing can help to clear up congestion. But if you are in the middle of a session and your breathing gets worse, you can slow down your breathing, relax into the music and enjoy a musical journey. Remember, you are always in control! If you are coming to an in-person session, whether it is private session or group, if you are not feeling well, please STAY HOME and focus on healing.

Q: What kind of preparation do I need to make the most out of my Breathwork Session?

A: This is a great question. Please read the instructions for Preparing for Your Breathwork Session.