Frequently Asked Questions

Breathwork is a form of Pranayama. Pranayama is the practice of directing the breath and it teaches you to breath consciously with awareness and with intent. Breathwork is a general term used to describe any practice that uses conscious breathing techniques to improve mental, physical, and spiritual health. Many forms of Breathwork therapy exist today. Each has its own unique method of using the breath as a means of therapy and self-healing. The Breathwork I teach is more than an exercise of breathing correctly or with intent. It is a tool for major transformation and healing. Studies reveal that Breathwork helps “restore balance to the stress response systems, calms an agitated mind, relieve symptoms of anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder, improve physical health and endurance, elevate performance and enhance relationships.” (Richard P. Brown & Patricia L. Gerbarg)

The method I created and use in my group and private sessions incorporates four pillars : coaching, meditation, Reiki and Breathwork. Personalizing each session accordingly, I combine Breathwork with energy healing, meditations, guided breathing exercises, discussions around Reiki, a central ‘theme-of-the-day’ and sometimes journaling. My musical playlists are an important component in all my sessions. Not only does the music help to stir up emotions but it also helps to keep focus on the rhythm of your breathing.

The technique I teach is called "Two-Stage Pranayama," also known as "Conscious Connected Breathing" or "Active Meditation." It's a circular breathing method inspired by Holotropic Breathwork, condensed into a more accessible format. Participants engage in mouth breathing for approximately 25-30 minutes while lying comfortably on their backs, covered with a blanket and wearing an eye mask. This is followed by a 30-minute integration period.

During the practice, breathers focus on two distinct inhalation stages: the first inhale energizes the lower diaphragm or belly, while the second inhale targets the upper chest or top of the diaphragm. Exhalations are gentle and released through the mouth, allowing the chest and stomach to relax before restarting the cycle. The goal is to induce an altered state of consciousness, facilitating the release of blocked emotions.

I incorporate this breathwork technique due to its efficiency and effectiveness within a short timeframe. Many participants find it addictive, returning repeatedly for its profound benefits in their lives.

It’s for anyone who wants to create more balance and harmony in their body and mind. These classes are for you if you want to release stress, increase physical and mental endurance and/or just simply live better. Breathwork is the latest self-healing tool in LA and NYC adored by athletes, actors, professionals, fashionistas, yogis… non-believers and believers… you name it. Please note that this style of Breathwork is not advised for people with certain health conditions. See the list below.

It's important to know that the Breathwork I teach, called 2-Stage Pranayama, is an abbreviated version of Holotropic Breathing. It's not a relaxation exercise but rather a physical, mental, and emotional challenge. If you have a history of cardiovascular disease, glaucoma, retinal detachment, severe mental illness, seizures, advanced osteoporosis, recent major physical injury or surgery, asthma (bring your inhaler), or if you are pregnant, it is advised that you DO NOT ATTEMPT this style of Pranayama breathing. Additionally, it may cause emotional reactions such as crying, screaming, or laughing uncontrollably, as it's a form of emotional release. This experience can be compared to a high-intensity workout combined with an emotional release. Ask your doctor or contact me directly at susan@susanoubari.com for further clarification.

You can ask your doctor if it's safe for you to participate in a class where you'll be practicing an active breathing technique lying down on your back for about 30 minutes, followed by a 30-minute integration period where your body will relax and heal. This technique involves controlled and voluntary hyperventilation, which might lead to an altered state of consciousness. It's important to mention that it could provoke physical symptoms like cramps, dizziness, temperature changes, nausea, or heart palpitations, among others. This experience can be compared to a high-intensity workout combined with an emotional release where you might uncontrollably cry, scream, or laugh. Be sure to inform your doctor about the list of people who are not advised to participate in this type of Breathwork as well.

For Breathwork to be effective, I recommend a minimum of 18 minutes and a maximum of 30 minutes of active breathing, plus 10-30 minutes of integration at the end.

The last segment of the session is called "integration" which lasts between 5-15 minutes, depending on how long your body needs to go back to its normal state. During integration you breathe naturally through the nose as the Parasympathetic Nervous System is activated. This allows the body to rest, repair and recover. It is the most important segment of Breathwork. Never skip this!

Normally, you breathe in oxygen and breathe out carbon dioxide. During Breathwork, while breathing through the mouth, there is a controlled or voluntary hyperventilation where the level of oxygen (O2) goes up and the level of carbon dioxide (CO2) drops in the blood. This in turn increases the body’s PH and alkaline levels in the blood. These physiological changes can provoke unusual physical sensations along with a release in emotions.

Studies reveal that Breathwork, if practiced regularly, helps to restore balance in the stress response systems, the immune system and the digestive system. It also calms an agitated mind, relieves symptoms of anxiety and improves physical health and endurance.

If you have any medical conditions or are currently taking medication, it's crucial to consult your doctor before embarking on Breathwork. The technique I teach can elicit a profound physical and emotional release, akin to a high-intensity workout. Therefore, it's not suitable for individuals in the following situations:

• Those advised by their doctor against engaging in such activities.

• Pregnant individuals.

• Those with a hiatal hernia.

• Individuals experiencing vertigo.

• Those with high blood pressure.

• Individuals with spinal injuries.

• Those diagnosed with heart disease.

• Individuals suffering from severe digestive issues.

• Those with severe osteoporosis or other health conditions that could be aggravated by intense breathing practices.

If you fall into any of these categories or have concerns about your suitability for this type of Pranayama breathing, please refrain from attempting it. Feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions or need further clarification.

I like to say, “Keep going.” Those are normal sensations. You have the choice to push through using perseverance and a sense of curiosity. Or you can stop the active breathing through your mouth and go back to nasal breathing. It’s pretty easy to get off the ride, but I highly encourage you to try to stay with it as long as you can before giving up. Once you’ve crossed the bridge of discomfort, it becomes easier! The pay-off is huge in the end.

Arrive 15 minutes early so you can get yourself situated and settled in to allow for the fullest experience possible. Bring water and wear loose clothing especially around your stomach area. If you tend to get cold, make sure you have extra blankets. I recommend wearing an eye mask to maximize the personal experience along with using earphones if you're in a Zoom class. Come with an open mind and with zero expectations based on what you’ve heard.

It’s preferable to do Breathwork on an empty stomach. If you eat before Breathwork, the blood will have to go to the stomach for digestion which prevents you from getting the full benefits of your practice. Also, minimize drinking fluids to avoid the urge to go to the bathroom during the session.

What you experience during Breathwork can be pretty intense. So, always, always be gentle with yourself! At the end of class take your time to get up slowly and take in what you have just experienced. Drink lots of water and maybe take the time to do some journaling. If your emotions are still raw or if you feel ongoing physical sensations during the hours or week after the session, that's pretty normal. Observe them with self-compassion and non-jugement. If you have specific questions, please feel free to contact me. I will not leave you hanging out there alone.

All my sessions can be done either in-person or online via Zoom. I offer group classes, one-on-one private sessions, and couple or little and personalized small group sessions (less than 6 people)

Of course they are very different and everyone experiences each differently. In a group you can get an amazing collective energy from the other people in class with you. Some people, however, are overwhelmed by this kind of group energy. Private sessions offer a more intimate experience where we can address specific issues in a private setting. It is a way to move things differently for someone who may not be comfortable letting go in a group. The private session also allows you to dive in a bit deeper into your personal experience without the distractions of having others around you.

Yes, please check my schedule under "Services". You can book your session and pay directly online. My private one on ones and in-person group classes get booked up quickly. Don't hesitate to send me an email if you need assistance.

Absolutely! You can create a playlist of your own or you can follow me on Spotify and use one of the playlists from class. You can make it a daily practice if you like or you can do it weekly. It all depends on where you are in life and what you may be trying to work through.

Studies suggest that 6 weeks of practicing Breathwork will have a positive effect on a person’s heart rate variability, which correlates with stress, and also improve cognition and anxiety. But at the end of the day, it really depends on you and how much you engage.

Honestly, there's not a big difference. The breath is truly amazing, and since this is a self-healing practice, it works beautifully both online and in-person. Obviously, an in-person session allows you to go deeper into the experience.

Some of my Zoom classes have replays. In that case, you will receive the downloadable link by email the day after the class. If that's not the case, unfortunately there is no refund and there is no replay. All reservations are final for my Zoom classes but if you can't come because of an emergency please send me a text and we can find a solution.

Yes you can. Simply click on the replays section on my website and purchase past replays, depending on the theme you prefer!

I really hope to see you! Reach out to me if you have more questions. The information on this site is for educational purposes only. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please see a licensed medical provider if you believe you may have a medical condition.