How to Choose a Breathwork Practitioner

Breathwork, the most common form of which involves changing your normal breathing pattern, is still an esoteric subject in the world of health care. As such, it can be difficult to find a practitioner in your area. Fortunately, there are ways to find one if you know where to look and what to look for. Follow these steps to help you find one. It's worth taking the time. Breathwork practitioners believe it can help control stress and panic attacks.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer with Internet access
• Telephone

Learn About Breathwork

1. Know that group breathwork sessions typically consist of a group of people looking for a cathartic experience, led by a facilitator. The group is broken down into pairs with one "breather" and one "sitter." The breather experiences the catharsis while the sitter assists with blankets, pillows and tissues.
2. Keep in mind that the breather will have to follow the facilitator's instructions regarding the breathing pattern. The breather will want to achieve a "circular breath" with no breaks between inhaling and exhaling.
3. Realize that breathwork is often accompanied with re-birthing, a process that simulates the sensation of being born. Typically, this will at some point involve disrobing and floating in water.
4. Get more information about breathwork on the Internet through Web sites like the Breathwork Alliance (see Resources below).

Find a Breathwork Practitioner

5. Choose a practitioner through an online directory like the Transformational Breathing Directory (see Resources below). Directories like this will often list Web sites as well as contact information so that you can browse the practitioners' products, packages and rates.
6. Make sure that your practitioner has been certified to facilitate breathwork. There are different academies that can certify a practitioner, including the International Breathwork Training Alliance.
7. Contact the practitioner of your choice and enroll in the package that suits your needs.

Tips & Warnings

• Costs for breathwork break down into different categories, depending on what you choose. Practitioners typically offer private and group sessions. Some offer weekend retreats. Therefore, prices can range from affordable to expensive. Ask for current rates when you find your practitioner.
• Due to the extreme fluctuations in breathing during many forms of breathwork, there's the constant danger of hypoxia, or the lack of oxygen. Additionally, there have been reported cases of insanity, brought about by the cathartic nature of breathwork. Make sure you're mentally stable enough to partake in this treatment. If you experience dizziness or have trouble breathing, see your physician as soon as possible.
• Before you start any alternative medical technique, be aware that many have not been scientifically evaluated. Often, only limited information is available about their safety and effectiveness. Each state and each discipline has its own rules about how alternative medicine practitioners can be professionally licensed. If you decide to visit one, choose one licensed by a recognized national organization. Consult your primary health care provider about your decision first. Keep your doctor informed about the alternative medical technique you undertake.