Breathwork has been shown to have many benefits for the body and mind, including regulation of the nervous system, improvement of physical and mental well-being, and reduction of stress and anxiety.

From a physiological point of view, breathing is closely connected to our nervous system and has the ability to influence our physical and mental state.

During a breathwork experience, the parasympathetic nervous system is activated which controls our rest, repair and digest functions of the body, it’s responsible for slowing down our heart rate, relaxing our muscles, and promoting a sense of calm.

This shift in the nervous system can greatly impact on the body and mind.

Studies have shown that slow breathing can have a significant impact on reducing stress and anxiety, as well as improving overall well-being.

Breathing-based interventions, such as pranayama, a type of yoga breathing, have been shown to effectively reduce stress levels and improve overall well-being.

Breathing retraining has also been shown to be an effective complementary treatment for anxiety and depression.

In addition, slow breathing has been shown to have a positive impact on respiratory, cardiovascular, and autonomic functions, which can lead to better overall health and well-being.

By slowing down the breathing rate, oxygen flow to the brain is increased, which can lead to a more relaxed and focused state of mind.

The increased oxygen also helps to improve cardiovascular health and regulate the body's internal systems.

In addition to slower breathwork practises there are also the more forceful ones, such as Holotropic and Soma Breathwork.

These types of breathwork are designed to be fast-paced and intense, and have become popular through the likes of Wim Hoff and other so called Guru’s, and are used to create a deeper state of consciousness and self-awareness.

Holotropic Breathwork, for example, uses fast and rhythmic breathing to help individuals access their inner wisdom and heal emotional traumas.

Soma Breathwork, on the other hand, combines powerful breathing with sound and movement to create a unique, transformative experience. 💥

Holotropic Breathwork and Soma Breathwork have been shown to improve emotional well-being, increase self-awareness, and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. 💆‍♂️

While these types of breathwork may be more intense than slow breathing, they can have a profound impact on the body and mind.

The physiological effects of breathwork can also have a positive impact on mental health. By inducing a state of relaxation and reducing stress, it can help to improve mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. It can also improve sleep, boost the immune system, and increase overall energy levels.
 
Who would have thought that a simple breath can have such a profound impact on your health; 




 

Until next time