Why is breathwork so powerful for emotional & energetic release?
My favorite moments in this work are when I get to witness a person discover the awe, bliss and sheer empowerment that arrives after an authentic breakthrough. Most often, this happens after a breathwork session.
These sessions involve a style of activating breathwork known sometimes as conscious connected breathing, incorporating rapid, circular breathing to induce non-ordinary states of consciousness.
Every breathwork journey is unique. Following this breathing pattern could lead you to emotional catharsis and release, to profound bliss and peace, to impactful personal revelations, and even spiritual epiphanies.
While slow, calming breath eases us into the parasympathetic nervous system (rest & digest), activating breathwork consciously stimulates the sympathetic nervous system (fight & flight). So you may gather, this isn't a relaxing experience. It's a highly active and energetic one.
the
MAGIC
of
BREATH
"Since earliest times, virtually every major psychospiritual system seeking to comprehend human nature has viewed breath as a crucial link between nature, the human body, the psyche, and the spirit."
—Stanislov & Christina Grof,
Holotropic Breathwork: New Perspectives in Psychotherapy and Self-Exploration
You may experience uncomfortable physical sensations and come up against mental resistance. Because of this, surrender is required in order to sustain the practice. I believe that this surrender is why breathwork leads to such powerful release.
A person cannot appease their inner-critic and surrender. A person cannot repress their feelings and surrender.
Breathwork gets us past the conscious impulse to control our experience and instead allows our brilliant body-mind to loosen and liberate all of the stuck stuff we have unconsciously clung to—old emotions, stress, fears, self-defeating beliefs, traumatic experiences...
And when we surrender in order to meet and accept an experience fully, that's when we're able to let go.
"Morgan helped me so much with some anger and drama I was facing at my job… During breathwork I literally saw visions of myself building friendships with my co-workers and could see how I needed to stop taking things so personally... Since our last session a couple months ago, I don’t even think about it anymore. I’m getting along with the other stylists... I can tell my energy is better too because my tips have been higher!"
— GIULIA B.
Breathwork takes work. But it's rewarding.
A powerful release of repressed emotions, stored trauma and stagnant energy from the mind & body.
A deep sense of love, compassion and forgiveness for yourself and others.
Increased mental clarity and focus, a boost of energy and creative inspiration.
A perspective shift, or the ability to integrate past experiences in a new way.
Spiritual epiphanies, or a sense of deeper connection and meaning.
Release of toxins from the body, improved digestion and a strengthened immune system.
After breathwork, you might experience...
BREATHWORK FAQs
Will this be relaxing?
This form of breathwork isn't meant to feel relaxing, in the moment. The experience can feel intense and uncomfortable—especially in the beginning. As you continue to breathe through the resistance, you may notice you feel euphoric. Curiously, those feelings of euphoria can even exist simultaneously with deep emotional catharsis and energetic release. At the end of the session, you're likely to feel restful, introspective, and accomplished.
How should I prepare for a breathwork session?
Ways you can prepare include:
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Wear loose-fitting clothing that is easy to belly-breathe in.
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Do not eat a heavy meal for at least 4 hours leading up to your session. Light, healthy snacking is OK up to 1 hour before.
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No alcohol or non-prescription drugs for 48 hours.
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Avoid caffeine the day of your session. If you really must (I get it), you can have 1/2 the amount you normally would up to 4 hours before your session.
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It's perfectly normal to feel nervous! How many times have you felt jitters before doing something that you were so glad you did, afterwards? Tell yourself it's safe to show up, and know that I'll be there the whole time to support you.
I also provide all clients with a short guide upon scheduling their session.
What can I expect to experience, physically?
You may expect: tingling, numbness, clenching, or cramping anywhere on the body. People most commonly experience it in the face, around the mouth, and in their hands (this is called tetany, or, affectionately, "lobster claws"). This is all temporary and it will quickly pass when you return to normal breath.
Unpleasant physical sensations can always be dialed back by regulating the breathing pattern with gentler exhales or slower breath.
You might experience pleasant sensations, too. As you stir up energy in areas where you've been stagnant or numb, the experience of sensation returning to the body can feel pleasurable.
Some people may experience shaking or vibrating. If this happens, it's because your body is experiencing a much-needed nervous system release and return to homeostasis.
What can I expect to experience, emotionally?
A lot, most likely! This is a means of mind-body catharsis. It's not unusual to see clients, over the course of an hour, experience a full spectrum of emotions.
Sometimes you'll notice emotions arise and you're unable to consciously connect them to any "reason." That's normal—let them be experienced, expressed, and released. We're using somatic intelligence here, and the body needs no narrative. Must you voice instructions to a papercut in order for it to heal, or does the body know what to do, even if your mind does not? There's a wisdom in this process that transcends language or logic, and that's part of its power.
If you're not having an emotional experience, you're likely facing some resistance. Often if you keep breathing, that resistance will move on its own.
How will I feel after the session? Can I just go about my day?
You'll likely feel great, but maybe a little spacey. It can be helpful to give yourself an hour or two after our session, when possible, to soak in the euphoria and integrate the breakthroughs.
You'll probably also be very hungry! Eating a nutrient-dense meal can help you ground and go about the rest of your day.
I have (insert condition here), will breathwork be safe for me?
Breathwork is generally very safe, but is not recommended if you're pregnant, have glaucoma, a history of seizures, recent surgery, or unmanaged hypertension or heart issues.
I will not facilitate breathwork for anyone with active substance addictions. Please consult your physician if you have a concern about a medical condition that is not listed here!
Also, if you have a serious mental health condition or psychological diagnosis, consult your psychologist or psychiatrist before pursuing breathwork.
This process can stir things up. If you're concerned about your ability to process and take responsibility for what arises, then I lovingly suggest finding longer-term avenues of therapeutic support that will help you to feel more resourced before pursuing these more intense methods of changework.
How does breathwork help me reach the goal I am working towards?
My approach to hypnotherapy integrates root cause resolution with response or behavioral modification. When it comes to helping you reach a desired goal, I've observed that it's less effective (and less likely to stick) to introduce new habits and behaviors without first resolving what's been blocking you.
Breathwork helps you confront and release those inner "blocks," which are often formed by past experiences, traumas, and old emotions.
Breathwork goes beyond your goal, too. The experience is so unique, that I've had clients who end up favoring breathwork and seeking out group workshops or establishing home practices that support them in their own continuous journeys of becoming. I love when I can help you find a door to anything that resonates in that way!
I've heard breathwork can give me a psychedelic trip/make me feel high... Is that true?
In a sense it is similar, however, if you've had experience with mind-altering substances, I wouldn't expect those experiences to map precisely to breathwork.
Breathwork can induce an altered state of consciousness that can mimic psychedelics in the sense that you may have a mystical experience, wherein you observe the interconnectedness of all things, enhanced self-awareness, or a perception of your surroundings and inner-world as being fuzzy and dreamlike. This quickly dissipates as you return to your normal breath.
