Breathing is indispensable for our survival, yet it's often an unconscious act. From our earliest moments in the womb to our final exhale, it sustains us (or, in some cases, machines may intervene).
However, the focus here isn't solely on basic respiration. Breathwork, a distinct practice, takes center stage. Specifically, I'm referring to the transformative Breathwork sessions available at Michigan Massage and Wellness, particularly the 3-part Conscious Circular Breathwork that I facilitate. This technique holds promise for alleviating anxiety and fostering holistic well-being.
In this style of circular breathing, the breaths we engage in are markedly distinct from our usual, automatic, shallow breaths. This intentional approach to breathwork aims to induce physiological and emotional shifts, including the alkalization of blood pH. Through deeper, more rapid inhalations and exhalations, the body receives increased oxygen intake while expelling more CO2. This process can also temporarily heighten muscle tone by stimulating sensory and motor neurons, inducing a state of low-term calcium that manifests as tingling sensations, smooth muscle contractions, and enhanced muscle tone. Moreover, it boasts anti-inflammatory properties.
Notably, a 2014 study by Yale School of Medicine revealed that individuals taught a breathwork regimen exhibited milder inflammatory responses following exposure to IV bacterial toxins compared to their counterparts who hadn't undergone such training. These findings underscore the potential of breathwork in mitigating anxiety and promoting overall well-being.
To put it concisely, Breathwork can trigger various physical, mental, and emotional transformations, including:
These insights underscore the potential of Breathwork in alleviating anxiety and fostering holistic well-being.
Anticipating Your Breathwork Session: Insights into Easing Anxiety
Exploring the Multifaceted Impact of Breathwork: Navigating Potential Anxiety
Breathwork encompasses a spectrum of mental, physical, and emotional effects, which can be intimidating for certain individuals. Adequate preparation and comprehension are crucial in this regard. Some may encounter physical sensations like tingling, vibrations, shifts in temperature (feeling hot or cold), shivers, sweating, or even tetany (manifesting as temporary hand cramps resembling lobster claws). These sensations arise due to the heightened respiration rate. It's vital to remember that these effects are transient, offering reassurance to those experiencing anxiety.
Exploring the Mental and Emotional Dimensions of the Session:
Embracing Anxiety
During the session, you may experience a range of emotions: tears may flow, bursts of anger or frustration may erupt, and nervous or anxious energy may surface, which can be released through physical movements like kicking, punching the air, or shaking your limbs. However, it's crucial to recognize that the mental aspect often takes a backseat. Our brains naturally strive to maintain control, particularly in unfamiliar situations such as practicing this new breathing technique. In these moments, it's empowering to assert authority over our thoughts, telling our brains to pause and relinquish control, reminding ourselves that this time is ours.
While our brains have established patterns and tendencies, we're actively engaged in reshaping them, challenging the narratives they construct and the behaviors they dictate, whether positive or negative. Utilizing the breath serves as a means to redirect our focus from our minds to our hearts, fostering openness to transformative change and the pursuit of a more fulfilling life, even amidst anxiety.
From my personal journey with breathwork, I've noticed a significant reduction in anxiety and an overall improvement in my well-being. I find myself feeling calmer and more centered, with a heightened ability to release stressors quickly. Incorporating breathwork into my morning routine has been transformative, setting a positive tone for the day ahead. It boosts my motivation and enhances productivity, allowing me to tackle tasks with greater efficiency and clarity, all while managing anxiety levels effectively.
LOOKING FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT BREATHWORK PRACTICES TO HELP ANXIETY, DEPRESSION, TRAUMA AND SLEEP? Check out these helpful links:
A - Dealing with Sleep Anxiety: Symptoms, Treatment, and Tips .