What Is Breathwork? Benefits, Techniques & How to Get Started

Jordan Turner, international mind and body transformation specialist explains the importance of breathwork and its benefits

Breathwork is the practice of using breathing exercises to create physiological changes in the nervous system, and help bring about a sense of calm and connection.

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. 

How breathwork can be life changing 

The busyness of modern life has caused the nervous systems of many to be in a constant 'flight of flight' mode. This causes chronic stress, a state detrimental to physical health, which leaves us feeling disconnected from ourselves and with an overwhelming feeling of being unable to cope. 

Breathwork stimulates the vagus nerve, which passes through the opening of the diaphragm and is responsible for activating the para-sympathetic nervous system, which then switches off the stress response. With practice, breathwork improves the tone of the vagus nerve, allowing better ability to adapt to stress and reducing the time the body is in 'fight or 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 reconnect you to the core of who you are. Through this reconnection 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 breathe will change the way you think, and changing the way you think will change the way you breathe.  

The benefits 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 
  
  

Alternative nostril breathing

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 five to 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. Click here to find out more.