What is Breathwork?

The term Breathwork refers to any type of breathing practice in which the conscious control of breathing is said to influence a person’s mental, emotional or physical state. Many forms of Breathwork exist today and each has its own unique method. The Breathwork I teach - also called Two-Stage Pranayama - consists in lying on one’s back and breathing in a controlled and rhythmic way through the mouth for up to 30 minutes. It combines two inhales and one exhale. The first inhale is in the belly, the second inhale is in the chest, and the exhale releases it all. This method was first developed in the 1960s and 1970s by psychiatrists in order to reproduce the effects of LSD and giving rise to altered states of consciousness with the goal to release blocked emotions. In my Breathe in Paris® classes, and as a Spiritual Coach, I mix breathing techniques with Reiki, guided meditations and uplifting musical playlists. Breathwork is the latest self-improvement tool to help strengthen the body, calm and steady the mind, and help reduce stress. 

 

Benefits of Breathwork

There have been tests showing that people breathe about 20,000 times a day, yet most of us are neither breathing properly nor deep enough. We’re taking shallow breaths that causes depression as well as anxiety. No one’s telling us to breathe from our belly outside of a yoga class. Yet, belly breathing promotes peace and immediately calms us down as we invite more oxygen into our body. It also connects us to our truth. Our answers lie within, we just need to gain access to them. Taking full complete breaths actually changes you on a physiological level by creating a new balance between consciousness and unconsciousness, while restoring balance in the sympathetic (fight/flight) and the parasympathetic (relax / heal) nervous systems. This breathing exercise releases oxytocin while managing and calming cortisol. Breathing from the belly unlocks blocked energy and other stresses, allowing you to open up space for solutions, inspiration, and hope. The benefits of this simple and safe practice are many and are often immediate. 

Breathwork can help…

  • improve the functioning of all organs, as the body oxygenates and the diaphragm massages the stomach, small intestine, liver, pancreas and heart. It improves memory and digestion, fatigue is reduced, and promotes better sleep.

  • facilitate the detoxification process by stimulating the lymphatic system as it releases carbon monoxide, which is important to fully release. Breathing allows for 70% of toxins to be cleansed from the body (the other 30% is released through bladder and bowels.) 

  • boost immunity by raising the pH to an alkaline state, increasing the body’s ability to kill bacteria.

  • improve physical endurance and performance because the inhaled oxygen is given access to the deepest parts of the lungs, namely to the alveoli, which helps fuel the muscles. When muscles have insufficient oxygen, lactic acid builds up, creating cramps and temporary muscle soreness.

  • increase energy due to the activation of the Parasympathetic Nervous System which helps relax the over-stressed adrenal glands. Oxygen provides 90% of the body’s energy.

  • reduce stress and induces calm because the Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) is stimulated in an intentional and controlled way for a certain amount of time while breathing through the mouth, followed by a deliberate activation of the Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS) activation by breathing naturally through the nose for at least 10 minutes.

  • bring clarity, focus and/or relaxation as the brain shuts off during the session and emotions are released. Carbon dioxide levels in the bloodstream drop, reducing the oxygen flow to the brain. The frontal part (analytical, intellectual) of the brain is put on standby to give way to the work of the subconscious mind. This is called Transient Hypofrontality. People may experience euphoria, a feeling of being invincible, a reduced state of discomfort, and even a loss in sense of time - physiologically similar to "runner's high".

The Practice

Breathwork is done fully dressed, lying down on your back while loud music is playing to help motivate, relax and release anything that’s stuck. It’s powerful and often profound. It can start to feel challenging in the beginning, but after a while it almost feels as if you’re drunk on your own energy. This voluntary hyperventilation through the mouth modifies the blood flow and lowers carbon dioxide and can lead to an intense physical and emotional release. It’s normal to feel unusual physical sensations such as tingling, dizziness, shivering, or cramping; and unconscious crying or laughing may occur. Some people may experience tetany, cramps or muscle spasms in the hands, feet or face, related to blocked energies, from anger to past traumas. This also might be due to an over-energized exhale, or a deficiency in magnesium, potassium or sodium in your body. I make sure to remind my students that they can stop the active breathing through the mouth and go back to a natural nose breath at any time. Breathing from the belly releases blocked energy. It is an intense physical, mental and emotional experience. Emotions then move freely, creating a path for the mind. For an effective session, it’s advised to do at least 18-minutes. With one breath, one simple invitation to be present and mindful, everything gets transformed.

Is Breathwork for Everyone?

Breathwork is an excellent practice if you're looking to release stress, enhance physical and mental endurance, and simply live a better life. My classes have welcomed students aged 18 to 82, showing its suitability for a wide range of individuals. However, it's important to understand that Two-Stage Breathwork, with its potential for intense physical and emotional release, is akin to a high-intensity workout.

For individuals with specific health concerns or those advised by their doctor against such activities, caution is warranted. If you fall into this category, it's advisable to refrain from attempting Breathwork without consulting your healthcare provider first. I'm here to assist you, offering modified breathing techniques or guidance to ensure your safety and comfort. Your well-being is my priority, so feel free to reach out if you have any doubts or questions. Always consult your doctor if uncertain. If in doubt, consult your doctor. 

Please consult your doctor or speak to me ahead of time if you have any of the following…

  • History of cardiovascular disease, including angina or heart attack, high blood pressure, glaucoma, retinal detachment, severe case of osteoporosis.

  • Significant recent physical injuries or surgery.

  • Severe mental illness, seizure disorders or if you’re using major medications.

  • Personal or family history of aneurysms.

  • Pregnancy.

  • Asthma. Bring inhaler.

What to Know Ahead of Time

I suggest you don’t eat for 2 hours before class. If you eat before Breathwork, the blood will be diverted to the stomach for digestion and prevents you from dropping into these non-ordinary-states. I also suggest limiting fluids to avoid needing to go to the bathroom during the session. Keep an open mind!

I was trained and certified by Jon Paul Crimi in Los Angeles in 2018.
I continued my Breathwork training with one of the pioneers of Breathwork, Dan Brulé in Holland in 2019.