Breathwork is the practice of using breathing exercises to create physiological changes in the nervous system to help bring about a sense of calm and connection to oneself.
Breathwork is not a new phenomena and has been part of the yoga tradition for over 3,000 years under the practice of pranayama. The resurgence of breathwork by many modern wellness specialists highlights the need for this ancient practice to combat the stresses of modern lifestyles.
The busyness of modern life has caused many peoples nervous system to be in constant 'flight of flight' mode causing chronic stress, this state is detrimental to physical health and leaves us feeling dis-connected from ourselves and an overwhelming feeling of being unable to cope. Breathwork stimulates the vagus nerve which passes through the opening of the diaphragm, the vagus nerve is responsible for activating the para-sympathetic nervous system which switches off the stress response. With practice breathwork improves the tone of the vagus nerve allowing better ability to adapt to stress so reduces the time the body is in 'fight of flight' mode.
The benefits of breathwork go deeper than just physical. By slowing down and focusing on the breath this form of meditation allows you to become present and re-connect you to the core of who you are. Through this re-connection with the self you can start to become aware of your behaviour patterns and beliefs, empowering you to make positive life changes.
Breathwork creates a positive feedback loop for mental wellbeing as changing the way you breath will change the way you think and changing the way you think will change the way you breathe.
Benefit of Breathwork
- Reduce Stress
- Balance mood / energy
- Increase mental focus
- Improve sleep
- Boost digestion
- Induce feelings of calm and creativity
- Optimise immune function
- Greater ability to respond and adapt to situations
- Altered states of consciousness
- Emotional release
- Open up creativity
A simple breathwork exercise you can do at home is 'alternative nostril breathing' which has an immediate calming effect and can be used in times of high stress. To practice:
- Sit in a comfortable position
- Lift your right hand up toward your nose.
- Exhale completely and then use your right thumb to close your right nostril.
- Inhale through your left nostril and then close the left nostril with your fingers.
- Open the right nostril and exhale through this side.
- Inhale through the right nostril and then close this nostril.
- Open the left nostril and exhale through the left side.
- This is one cycle.
- Repeat 5-10 cycles.
- Always complete the practice by finishing with an exhale on the left side.
Jordan Turner is a mind and body transformation specialist who uses breathwork as tool in his practice. If you would like to take breathwork to the next level see out blog post on his work.
Why Wellbeing Escapes?
