Which breathwork technique is right for me?
Many different techniques, methods, and brands have been developed in the last 20 years.
Regardless of the technique, all forms of breathwork therapy are centered on the act of consciously breathing in and out in a non-regular pattern to trigger a reaction in the body-mind-emotional state of the practitioner. Each model incorporates its own breathwork exercises.It can be overwhelming and confusing when you first enter this world to figure out who to learn from, and which practice is “best”
The major difference between the practices is whether the breathing is nose or mouth focus, and many of the practices use a combination of both. Some other points of difference between them are:
The pace of the breathing: some techniques are slower, some faster.
The external stimulus added to the breathwork session: some uses music, sounds, instruments, aromas, equipment, etc., and others have no external stimulus other than the voice of the facilitator.
The involvement of the facilitator: it differs in every approach and even between facilitators of the same technique.
The length of the session: It can go from half an hour to 3 hours.
The number of people per session: Some practices only do 1 on 1 and other practices include group sessions.
The goal of the sessions: some are more interested in the healing process, others on the mystical and emotional experiences, and others on the endurance aspect of it.
The belief systems and spiritual frameworks vary from practice to practice. This is the reason that influences all the rest of the parameters.
Some well-known types of breathwork, among many others, are:
Rebirthing Breathwork, Holotropic Breathwork, The Wim Hof Method, Transformational Breathwork, Biodynamic Breathwork, Integrative Breathwork, Shamanic Breathwork, Clarity Breathwork, Bioenergetics and the list goes on.
It can be really overwhelming, and the last thing you need on your journey is another decision paralysis road block, so lets dive into discovering what is the best for you.
Choosing the right type of breathwork for you depends on various factors, including your intentions, comfort level, and any health considerations. Here are some questions to help guide your decision:
1. Intention: What do you hope to achieve with breathwork? Are you seeking relaxation, stress relief, emotional healing, spiritual exploration, or something else? Different techniques may emphasize different outcomes, so aligning your intention with the goals of the practice can be helpful.
2. Nervous System State: Consider the state of your nervous system. Are you typically in a heightened or anxious state, or do you tend to be more relaxed? Some breathwork techniques are more calming and grounding, while others are more energizing and activating. Choose a practice that complements your current needs and state of being.
3. Preference for Group or Private Settings: Reflect on whether you prefer practicing breathwork in a group setting or individually. Group sessions can provide a sense of community and support, while private sessions may offer more personalized attention and focus.
4. Health Considerations: Take into account any health risks or medical conditions you may have, such as heart or nervous system issues. Certain breathwork techniques involve intense breathing patterns that may not be suitable for everyone. Consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new breathwork practice, especially if you have underlying health concerns.
5. Research and Exploration: Explore different types of breathwork techniques and practitioners to gain a better understanding of what resonates with you. Attend workshops, classes, or introductory sessions to experience different approaches firsthand. Trust your intuition and choose a practice that feels safe, supportive, and aligned with your values and goals.
Ultimately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to choosing the "best" breathwork technique. It's going to change everyday! Just like going to a yoga class, you need BALANCE to achieve a holistic well-rounded solution. You cannot go to a yin class everyday and expect to lose weight, and you cant expect to go to a hot power yoga class everyday and expect to grow your mental capacity for stilness.
Breathwork is exactly the same, all slow, rhythmic, energetic and intense experiences are a valid part of your journey. You cannot have yin without yang and find balance.
TAKE THE QUIZ - what do you need right now?
Your Intention:
Slow down, learn a practice that I can use every day
Move my body and feel present
Boost my energy and build mental resilience
Release stored emotions and heal trauma
Increase my overall well being with a holistic approach to mental health
When you are stressed, you
a) I tend to withdraw and prefer solitary activities to recharge.
b) I dissociate, and ignore the stress exists
c) I seek out intense physical activities to distract myself.
d) I find myself stuck and need to talk to someone
e) Scroll on social media for hours and time disappears
How would you describe your energy levels throughout the day?
a) I often feel drained and in need of restorative practices.
b) I generally maintain a steady level of energy but occasionally feel overwhelmed.
c) I thrive on high-intensity activities and enjoy pushing my limits, not many people can keep up with me.
d) No day is the same, but generally it is affected by my mood
e) My energy levels fluctuate, and I'm open to exploring different approaches to manage them.
What is your familiarity with breathwork techniques?
a) I'm relatively new to breathwork and interested in exploring its potential benefits.
b) I have some experience with meditation or mindfulness practices involving breath awareness.
c) I enjoy experimenting with breathwork techniques and have tried various methods.
d) I have a solid understanding of traditional breathwork practices and their effects on the body and mind.
e) I'm open to integrating breathwork into my self-care routine and exploring its versatility.
What are your expectations for a breathing technique session?
a) I hope to find a sense of inner peace and relaxation.
b) I seek tools to manage stress and enhance mental clarity.
c) I'm interested in exploring techniques that boost energy and resilience.
d) I am seeking to release trauma and tap into new layers of my mind
e) I'm looking for a holistic experience that I can do regularly
Results:
A's: Slow Meditative Pranayama Session
B's: Combined Yoga and Kabalbhati Pranayama Class
C's: High Energy Wim Hof Ice Bath and Breathwork Experience
D's: Holotropic Breathwork Session
E's: Integrative Breathing Session
