How to Do Breathwork The Right Way and Why It Works

Breathwork has become somewhat of a buzzword in the health and wellness community. Maybe you’ve heard of Whim Hoff and his notorious breathwork techniques from a yoga class where you practice different breathing exercises. Breathwork is becoming increasingly popular, and for a good reason. It’s about a lot more than just breathing exercises. It encompasses a variety of treatments for both physical and mental healing. Breathwork has the potential to alter your life completely. 

What Exactly Is Breathwork? 

Breathwork is the process of actively managing your Breath for a certain amount of time using various breathing strategies, regardless of which type you’re practicing. There are many different breathwork practices, some of which have been utilized in yoga for thousands of years. While modern-day Breathwork may alter from these old teachings, the basic concept remains the same. Breathwork isn’t the same as yoga or meditation. It does, however, have certain similarities with each of them. 

Pranayama is a major component of yogic philosophy, and modern forms of Breathwork are derived from it. Pranayama is made of two Sanskrit words: Prana (life force energy) and Yama (control) (restraint, control). The Breath may be compared to life force energy, and pranayama roughly translates as “breath control.” In yoga, there are a few different types of pranayama practices. If you’ve ever taken a yoga class, you’ve probably heard of ujjayi (also known as ocean’s Breath), alternate nostril breathing, Breath of fire, and other breathing techniques. The ancients’ Breathwork is still used today, but modern Breathwork has expanded to encompass a variety of additional breathing practices that use the Breath as a therapeutic healing tool. 

Breathwork Is Not the Same as Meditation

How do they vary if Breathwork isn’t meditation? If you’ve ever meditated, you’re familiar with the constant chatter in your head. These uncontrollable thoughts are sometimes referred to as “monkey mind,” a Buddhist idea. According to the Buddha, the mind is like a swarm of intoxicated monkeys swinging back and forth on tree branches, chattering and jumping about ceaselessly. Our thoughts, in essence, never truly cease working. Meditation is a technique for noticing our thoughts and aware of how we inhale and exhale amid background noise.

Breathwork differs from regular meditation in that it focuses on the Breath. Meditation is a great way to explore within, yet it may also leave us caught in our heads. On the other hand, Breathwork employs a variety of breathing methods to assist you in breaking free from your thoughts by manipulating the Breath in various ways.

What Are Some Different Breathwork Techniques? 

There are a variety of breathwork techniques to choose from, some basic and others more difficult. Check out some of the simple strategies for working with your Breath if you’re new to Breathwork. 

4-2-6 Breath

Inhale for a count of 4 via your nose, hold for a count of 2, then expel for a count of 6 through your mouth in this basic breathwork method. The fundamental goal of 4-2-6 is to make your exhale longer than your inhale by pausing after each Breath. 

Deep Breathing

Lie down on the floor or choose a sitting posture to practice deep breathing. If you prefer to lie down, place one hand on your belly button and the other on your heart, breathing gently for ten counts and exhaling deeply for another ten. Each Breath will cause the belly to expand, and each expiration will cause the belly to collapse gently. Even if you only do it for 5-10 minutes, it may make a major difference in how you feel. 

Equal Breathing

Equal breathing might assist when you’re trying to establish a sense of balance in your life. In Sanskrit, equal breathing is known as sama vritti, and it is done in the same way as its name implies: each inhales and exhalation is of equal duration. To practice equal breathing, pick a comfortable length of Breath that you can maintain for the duration of the practice. Each inhales will usually be 3-6 counts long. 

Ujjayi Breath

One of the first pranayama methods taught in yoga programs is Ujjayi Breath. It’s a great way to start pranayama, and it’s also known as “ocean’s breath” because of the quiet ocean-like murmur it makes in the throat. It’s also known as “victorious breath” since it gives you control over your thoughts. Inhale deeply through the nose and expel deeply, restricting the throat to generate a faint whispering sound to conduct ujjayi Breath. It’s the same case as if you were to open your lips and exhale to fog up a mirror placed in front of your face, but your mouth stays shut. The Breath’s tone becomes steady and smooth, much like the sound of the ocean. 

Why Breathwork Works

Breathwork has grown in popularity due to its ability to promote well-being. Breathwork has been demonstrated to promote inner calm, clarity, balance, and connection, among other benefits. Breathwork may also deal with stress, depression, anxiety, and grief. It’s a great time to go within, let go of what no longer serves you, and tap into your limitless potential. 

Google searches for “breathwork” have risen dramatically in the last five years. Many breathwork specialists think that the continuing increasing trend is due to how obvious the outcomes of Breathwork are. After only one session, several approaches can provide a sensation of overall wellness, relaxation, and tranquility. Science confirms what many who make breathwork claim to have experienced. According to research, making your expiration two seconds longer than your inhale engages the parasympathetic nerve system, which reduces your heart rate and puts your body into a state of calm.

Another breathwork method that has shown to be effective in increasing wellness is deep breathing, often known as diaphragmatic breathing. Deep breathing might help you pay attention both during and after your breathing exercises. Deep breathing also lowers cortisol levels, popularly known as the “stress hormone.” Explore the website of Saha Self-care today!