How to Know if Breathwork is Working

Just like with many other mind-altering techniques, the effects of breathwork can sometimes be subtle. Some people don't realize the effect the breathwork journey has had on them; and they stop attending sessions before realizing the technique's full benefit. Successful breathers describe their experiences with words such as "lightness," "peace" and "healing." Breathwork simply involves altering one's breathing patterns for physical and emotional benefit, and breathwork practioners say it can be an effective method of stress relief. Follow these steps to find out if breathwork is working for you.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer with Internet access
• Breathwork practitioner

Learn About Breathwork

1. Know the basics. Breathwork is a psychotherapeutic technique that allows the breather to expunge repressed thoughts and memories. Through deliberate hyperventilation, the breather is able to reach a heightened state of mind.
2. Learn more about the process. Breathers work with a sitter, often in the company of other pairs. The sitter helps the breather on his or her journey by providing blankets, pillows and tissues. The entire group is then guided by a facilitator who will instruct the breathers on how to breathe or indicate actions to perform that can trigger a cathartic release, such as hitting the pillow and yelling at it.
3. Understand the goal of breathwork before you perform it. The idea behind breathwork is to return to a state of infancy by simulating the birthing process, called "rebirthing." You may be asked to disrobe and be submerged in water (to simulate amniotic fluid).
4. Complete your education online by visiting sites like the Association for Holotropic Breathwork International Web site (see Resources below).

Analyze Your Breathwork Experience

5. Surrender yourself to breathwork to ensure that it's working for you. Since the point of breathwork is to allow you a release from your repressed thoughts, open yourself to letting them go. If you don't overpower the Ego controlling those repressions, the effects of breathwork will be mitigated.
6. Know that not every journey is going to be deep. Sometimes a breather can walk away from a breathwork session and not experience a major catharsis. That doesn't mean breathwork isn't working. Look for the physical benefits such as decreased stress, a feeling of relaxation or more energy.
7. Don't worry if you fall asleep. That may be breathwork telling you that you're not ready and need to know more about yourself before you return.

Tips & Warnings

• Contact a breathwork facilitator in your area for current rates since prices will range from affordable to expensive. Typical packages offered are single, multi-day, private and group sessions. Some facilitators will organize retreats.
• Breathwork requires the breathers to change their breathing patterns drastically. This can cause problems for people with respiratory ailments such as asthma. Additionally, some breathwork participants experience hypoxia, which is a lack of oxygen. Lastly, there have been a few cases of temporary insanity caused by the strong images and thoughts brought about by the breathwork journey. Make sure you are mentally healthy before undergoing a session.
• 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.