Breathwork

What are some of the types of breathwork?

Diaphragmatic Breath
Diaphragmatic breathing is a technique that guides you to focus on your diaphragm, a muscle in your belly, also known as belly breathing or abdominal breathing. By exercising your diaphragm to open up your lungs, you can help your body breathe more efficiently since the most efficient oxygen exchange takes place in lower part of lungs. Diaphragmatic breathing slows down the heart rate reduces stress levels, grounding, calming, nurturing, releases tension and calms anxiety.

Ujjayi Breath
Ujjayi breathing is the most common form of breath control used in yoga. It’s a technique that focuses on breathing solely through your nose and constricting the back of your throat to make a sound similar to the rhythmical ocean waves.

Visamavritti Breath
This breathwork involves a practice of uneven breathing, or unequal ratio breathing, where either the inhalation or the exhalation is made longer. When the inhalation is lengthened, vishama-vritti, it is considered to be an energising breath. When the exhalation is lengthened, it is considered to be relaxing.
I do not advise practicing alone without a guide, unless you have the experience.

Viloma Breath
Vimoma is a Sanskrit word which means “against” or “contrary to”; and loma, which means hair. Therefore viloma, translates as against the natural course. Viloma breathwork is a yoga breathing exercise that involves a series of interrupted inhalations with pauses followed by a series of interrupted exhalations with pauses.
Benefits include; calming the body and mind, reducing anxiety and tension, and relaxing the nervous system.
I do not advise practicing alone without a guide, unless you have the experience.

Bhastrika Breath
This is a practice of rapid inhalation and exhalation. It is vigorous, forceful, and audible with a hissing sound. The exhalations set the tone and the pace of the breath. An exhilarating breathing practice that activates and invigorates lungs, liver, spleen, pancreas, and abdominal muscles. Improves digestion, drains sinuses, stops runny noses.
I do not advise practising alone without a guide unless you have the experience.

Kapalabhati Pranayama
This is similar to Bhastrika Breath but milder, with emphasis on exhalations, the inhalations being passive. There is a short moment of breath retention after each vigorous exhalation, but it’s almost subconscious.
Same benefits for Bhastrika Breath apply.
I do not advise practising alone without a guide, unless you have the experience.

Bhramari Breath
Bhramari pranayama is named the ‘bumble bee breath’ because of the buzzing sound made during exhalation. Simply inhale, then close down the senses, eyes, nose, ears, then exhale creating the buzzing sound. Extremely calming and grounding that induces sleep and is used for insomnia.

Nadi Shodhana Breath
In Sanskrit, it’s known as Nadi Shodhana pranayama. This translates as “subtle energy clearing breathing technique.” This type of breathwork can be practised as part of yoga or meditation practice. Alternate nostril breathing can also be done as its own practice to help you quieten and still your mind, and to promote a balanced state.
I do not advise practising alone without a guide unless you have the experience.

Why do breathwork practice?
There are numerous benefits depending on the type of breath work you practice.

‘Mindfulness breathwork can be practised at any time and any place!
When I feel myself becoming overwhelmed and stressed, I often tap into a calming breathing technique to instantly regulate from the sympathetic nervous system to the parasympathetic nervous state.’

General benefits include:

• Increase lung strength and tone.
• Build lung capacity.
• Increases flexibility for intercostals, ribs, spine.
• Massage organs
• Improves digestive conditions.
• Release tension.
• Improves cardio and circulatory health.
• Improves respiration and breathing
• Improves digestion
• Maintains a balanced metabolism.
• Improves athletic performance.
• Promote energy
• Encourage brighter moods.
• Promote balance, focus, and co-ordination.
• Reduction in stress-related disorders.
• Regulate the nervous system
• Head ache relief.
• Improve Sleep.
• Promotes better health and vitality.

What will a breathwork session involve?
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I will guide you through the breathing techniques to encourage a specific benefit. The type of breathwork practised will determine the affects, to include lung strength, tone, balance, cleansing, and relaxation. Each will aim to establish a reconnection between your body and mind.

I value both the history of breathwork, as well its ever-changing modalities, to provide an authentic, diverse and creative breathing practice, with a focus on inspiring people to develop a personal practice that they enjoy and benefit from.

The breathwork sessions are available via One To One, in Studio Classes and Subscription Library.

Does it hurt?
Breathwork isn’t supposed to hurt. As is the case with anyone engaging in a physical pursuit, people
practising breathwork may sometimes initially feel a little light headed. Do not continue if you start to experience symptoms of fainting, dizziness, or tightening of the chest.

What can I expect as a newcomer to breathwork?
Many newcomers to the practice of breathwork are uncomfortable at first. You are participating in breath techniques that you’ve never tried before, and it can definitely be awkward for a beginner. As your guide I will aim to provide precise instructions to ensure you feel more at ease in the practice. Most people actually breathe into their lungs with a short, shallow, breath that is too fast. I strongly advise that you start being more aware of your own rhythm of breathing and to engage with your breath in day to life. Simply being mindful to breathe deeper, slower, and longer, can be a great step to set you up on your breathwork journey.

What is the most appropriate breathwork to suit me?
As a beginner to breathwork practice, it is advisable to select a class dealing with a diaphragmatic breath, as this is designed to set you up for the beginning of your yoga journey.
The classes are designed for most levels of breathing practitioners. There’s usually something for everyone.

How many days a week should you practice breathwork?
There are no rules as to how often you can practise breathwork techniques, as there are many types of practises which provide a cross training/practise that reflects on the actions of the body and mind. However, as a general guide, breathwork is best practised daily with a varied selection of practice to reflect what you and your body needs.

How quickly will I see the results?
You will feel results immediately after a single breathwork session, with a sense of wellbeing, balance, positive energy, and a relaxed better mood.

How long will results last?
Following a single breathwork session, you feel more relaxed, balanced, and calmer in your breathing. As you progress you will learn the techniques of breathing so that you can practise on your own and incorporate this into your daily life, depending also on other factors such as work environment, nutrition, and lifestyle influences.

Can breathwork have negative effects?
It is possible to experience negative effects practising breathwork techniques. However, this generally occurs with breathwork self-practice without guidance.  Adverse effects may be associated with light headedness, dizziness,  tightening of the chest and de-regulation of the nervous system. To prevent negative effects, it is imperative to inform the myself, your guide of any concerns you are experiencing so that your practice can be modified to suit you.
I do not advise to practice breathwork techniques alone without a guide, unless you have the experience in the specific chosen type.

Disclaimer
Any views or advice obtained via this website should not be taken as a substitute for medical advice or treatment, especially if you are aware of, or suffer from, a specific health complaint.​
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I recommend that you maintain your relationship with your GP, as breathwork can be integrated when necessary to provide complementary wellbeing services. Your GP will also be able to arrange any diagnostic procedures you may need, and provide emergency cover.
The information on this website is written WITHOUT PREJUDICE

It is advised to give yourself the time and space post breathwork practise to ensure you gain the true benefits.

Advice For A Greater Sense Of Wellbeing:

• Drink at least 1 to 2 litres of water daily to support the body functions.
• Chose a healthier eating plan best suited to you and your lifestyle.
• Eat a balanced diet of foods you like each day.
• Include a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables and proteins.
• Also include a variety of wholegrains, essential fats and minerals.
• Add some herbs & spices to experience their powerful properties.
• Avoid processed foods.
• Take good quality health supplements to support your diet & lifestyle.
• Aid your gut heath to support your brain health and other systems.
• Move more, take up regular exercise.
• Include stretching into your exercise regime.
• Do activities you enjoy.
• Connect with nature.
• Take time out to relax.
• Be mindful to be in the moment.
• Try to practice Meditation, Yoga, Qigong or such like.
• Take time out from digital devices.
• Soak away muscle tension & stress in a hot mineral salt bath.
• Infuse essential oils to promote calm & relaxation.
• Balance emotions.
• Avoid your digital devices several hours prior to sleeping.
• Aim for 8 hours sleep each night.
• Be positive, laugh & be happy.
• Go easy on yourself.