Why Is Breathwork So Popular?
If it seems like everyone and their dog is talking about the benefits of breathwork, you're not wrong; it's rise in popularity can be attributed to a number of factors, not least of all is how effective breathing exercises are in reducing stress levels.
We can likely all relate to an overall increase in stress in the midst of an on-going pandemic, political turmoil, and the effects of climate and ecological collapse - we need all the damn tools to survive and dare we say, thrive - breathwork is one of the most accessible practices out there.
Breathing exercises may be "trending" because of celebrity endorsements from the likes of Oprah and Kate Hudson, as well as social media influencers popping off about cold plunging and the Wim Hof breathing method, but breathwork is an ancient technique with a traceable - yet not yet fully determined, or limited to - lineage to Hinduism, and the practice of Pranayama, a main pillar of the practice of Yoga, includes practices Nadi Sodhana (alternate nostril breathing), and Kapalabahti (breath of fire), among many others.
The Benefits of Breathwork Practice
Breathing exercises have gained traction for one important reason: they work.
Modern research is only just beginning to understand how and why learning to control the breath and engage in intentional breathing is so effective in regulating the nervous system, but ancient cultures and traditions have known this wisdom for hundreds if not thousands of years.
Discerning Threat and Safety
These practices can assist us in finding calm and peace, in addition to regulating and toning our nervous systems so that we can re-learn to respond appropriately and responsibly to real and potential threats and stressors.
Given that our world is becoming increasingly unsafe for just about everyone, it's wise for us to become acquainted and friendly with our ability to respond to the situations around us, and to discern response from reaction.
Breathwork practice activates the parasympathetic nervous system, offering the mind body an opportunity to rest and integrate. The more you practice techniques like breathwork, the better your nervous system becomes at regulating your responses.
Breathwork practices can help us to re-define our windows of tolerance, and understand and integrate the roots of our stress and trauma, and how they are stored in our bodies.
Contraindications to Breathwork
While most breathing techniques are some of the more accessible practices, it's still very important to consider the contraindications - conditions that you may be in that could result in negative and/or unintended health consequences, if you practice certain modalities.
We recommend consulting with a skilled, certified practitioner, therapist and/or medical doctor (versed in breathing exercises), prior to engaging in intentional breathing exercises, particularly if you have acute medical conditions including pregnancy, cardiovascular disease and risk of heart attack and/or stroke, angina, epilepsy, detached retina, glaucoma, high blood pressure (not controlled by medication), and/or severe mental illness, or any other mental or physical health condition that may make it difficult or detrimental to control the breath.
Many conditions may benefit from breathing practices, but it is still highly recommend to confer with skilled, competent and certified practitioners and medical professionals to be on the safe(r) side.
We'll list some of the benefits of breathing exercises, with the understanding that the no part is disconnected from the whole.
Physical, Emotional and Mental Health Benefits
strengthens respiratory muscle function
increases elasticity and function of lung tissues
improves oxygen exchange
may alleviate breathing restrictions
lower blood pressure and improved circulation
improved respiratory function
improved digestion and reduced inflammation
reduction in chronic pain
increased energy levels, enhanced physical and athletic performance
improved immune system function
Read more on the physical benefits of breathwork in our blog here
reduction in symptoms of PTSD, CPTSD, anxiety levels, and depression
decreasing negative thought patterns
healing and integration of traumatic experiences
heightened perception and intuition
accessing flow states for creativity and problem solving
accessing creative states for artistic practice
There are many different breathing techniques, each offering unique benefits and depth of practice. The diaphragmatic breathing exercise is a great place to start for beginners, as it can help you get re-acquainted with your normal breath pattern, and to engage in deep breathing, which activates your parasympathetic nervous system and your "rest and digest" response. It can also help calm your mind and body during spells of anxiety and panic attacks.
Learning to engage in regular breathwork practices can support your path of personal growth, and help you to face and integrate trauma, so that you can build resilience and re-learn how to be in an active resting state.
Finding A Skilled Breathwork Facilitator
Unfortunately when things gain traction in popular culture, so do the grifters, charlatans and other such folks who are down to take your money but less interested in your safety and wellness. Capitalism is very good at stealing, appropriating and selling back practices that are inherently, and traditionally, for the people.
If you plan to work with a breathwork facilitator, we highly recommend that you do your due diligence, research and ask questions before committing to anything. If you gut instinct is saying that something if "off", trust that feeling! Fortunately there many great, skilled, competent, ethical breathwork facilitators out there, and we've rounded up a bunch of folks to consider, in our blog here.
