Breathwork is a phenomenally powerful practice that can be used for healing, integration and greater self-understanding on the journey of personal growth. It enables us to access anything we wish to shift and connects us with the parts of ourselves that are capable of igniting transformation.
There is a rapidly growing awareness of the empowerment breathwork breathes into our lives when used in a deliberate way. Breathwork master, Dan Brule, speaks about the transformative power which lies in the coalition of our inhales and exhales:-
“Breathwork is super powerful – when we become aware of our breath and consciously direct it, we can access healing and growth and change – in our body, mind and spirit. It plays a really key part in all aspects of holistic healing, self-empowerment and personal growth.”
You can explore more of Dan’s work at www.o2collective.com/fundamentals.
When we access the part of our brain responsible for emotions and sensations, also known as the medial pre-frontal cortex, we are able to work with stored trauma and the emotions attached to painful memories. When we think, we use an entirely different part of our brain, the dorsolateral pre-frontal cortex. It makes sense then, that in order to heal our pain, we need to feel it, rather than think about it. Breathwork allows us to feel, and then – most importantly – to release.
There are various different styles or patterns of breathwork:
❖ Embodied Breathing – This focuses on a particular area of the body with the breath in order to get a specific response. It is also the type of breathwork I teach in the Pelvic/Yoni Breathing practice in my Yoni Vitality programme.
❖ Connected Breathing – There is no pause between the inhale and the exhale or exhale and inhale. This is also known as “circular” breathing, and – fun fact – it is also the one you use when you play the didgeridoo!
❖ Interval Breathing – These are counted breaths, with holding patterns on the inhale or exhale. Eg. breathe in for 4, hold for 4, breathe out for 4 and hold for 4. A great detox breathing practice.
❖ Deep Breathing – This is often combined with another practice like yoga, meditation, movement, sacred sexuality, pleasure practices or shaking.
There is so much more to discover in this vast world of breathwork, but for now, just becoming more mindful of our breath, focussing on it and directing it with purpose, can enhance so many aspects of our lives.
Connecting with our breath during sex can bring about some of the most connected and intensified experiences we’ll experience. This has certainly been my own experience. If there is just one thing I would suggest to those wanting to uplevel their sexual experiences (either solo or with a partner) it would be to focus on deep, slow, focussed breathing. It really is game-changing stuff!
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