Breathing techniques have been used for centuries across different cultures and traditions. One of the earliest forms of breathwork can be traced back to ancient yogic teachings of Pranayama. Ancient scripts describe breath control as a tool to still the mind and achieve a deeper understanding of the self and the universe. Breathing practices meant to bring harmony between mind, body and spirit.

 

Breathing is a foundation not only for yoga, but for many other traditions, such as QiGong, Tai Chi, tantra, shamanic practices, martial arts, Ancient Egyptian practices of Heka and many others.

 

In Modern Age, breathwork can be traced back to work of Dr. Otto Rank and Wilhelm Reich who believed that our breathe can be used as therapy to help individuals to release repressed emotions and traumas. We also can hear about Leonard Orr who developed Rebirthing Breathwork or Stanislav Grof who developed Holotropic Breathwork to explore altered states of consciousness and help access the unconscious mind to heal repressed emotions, traumas and negative patterns.

 

Today, breathwork is diverse practice offering many different techniques but they all share the common goal of using the breath to promote physical, mental, emotional  and spiritual well-being.

 

Our breath has it’s own wisdom and can help us connect with our emotions, helps us understand and change our limiting beliefs and blockedges. Reduces stress, helps to strengthen our immune system, improves our sleep, activates our inner healing system. Some breathwork practices induce altered states of consciousness, allowing deeper self exploration and mystical experiences.

 

Breathwork is a beautiful healing tool on a path of personal and spiritual growth, which let us connect with our true self