How to Practice Conscious Breathing

Breathing is one of the few necessary bodily functions that can be performed consciously and unconsciously. Those who practice conscious breathing say they experience less stress, mental clarity and an overall feeling of well being. Facilitators are available for guided conscious breathing; but you can also locate instructions on how to perform this type of breathing by yourself. Follow these steps to practice conscious breathing.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer with Internet access
• Breathwork practitioner

Learn About Conscious Breathing

1. Know that conscious breathing covers different kinds of breathing techniques. Some of these are as simple as finding a place where you won't be disturbed and controlling your breathing. Alternatively, being part of a group that's led by a facilitator who directs your breathing is also conscious breathing.
2. Transform your energy from bad to good. When you practice conscious breathing, the goal is to expunge your negative energy and replace it with positive energy. This can mean relieving your stress and muscle tension. It can also mean dealing with repressed memories or thoughts.
3. Read a book that can teach you additional techniques, like "Conscious Breathing: Breathwork for Health, Stress Release, and Personal Mastery" by Gay Hendricks (see Resources below).
4. Find out more about conscious breathing by visiting the Transformational Breath Foundation Web site (see Resources below).

Practice Conscious Breathing

5. Use the techniques you discovered during your research or your own conscious breathing group session. Set aside anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes per day to refine your technique. Be sure you practice in a quiet place where you won't be disturbed by friends, family, the phone or email.
6. Find a practitioner in your local area for help in refining your technique. Use breathwork listings sites like the Transformational Breathwork Directory (see Resources below). Most practitioners have Web sites so you can see what packages they offer.

Tips & Warnings

• The costs for conscious breathing practicing can range from the cost of a CD to room and board for multi-day breathwork retreats. Consult your local facilitator for current rates if you decide to hire a professional.
• Hypoxia (the lack of oxygen) is a real danger during breathwork sessions that require drastic and deliberate changes in breathing patterns. Additionally, breathwork is meant to induce a heightened state of awareness that has caused a few breathers to develop mental disorders. Make sure that you're mentally stable enough to practice conscious breathing. Keep in mind that these dangers are multiplied when you practice on your own. If you feel acute dizziness or consistent difficulty breathing, visit an emergency room or see your physician immediately.
• 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.