What is breathwork? What can it do? Will it work for me?

My Story

For me, breathwork has been a way to find, feel, and release “stuff” I had trapped in my body, which built up and built up throughout my life. After trying yoga, martial arts, and many forms of meditation, I finally found a way to simply, effectively, consistently tap into my inner self, to allow myself to feel, and to be, differently.

It changed my life, and it can change yours too.

What Kind of Breathwork is this?

With this breathwork style, known as Conscious Connected Breathing, or Circular Breathing, inhales and exhales are continuous, with no pauses between them. That’s it. Do that for a while, in the right setting, with a desire to grow and the right intention, and incredible things can happen.

What are the benefits of this breathing style?

Mental & Emotional Benefits

  • Reduced stress and anxiety
    Continuous breathing can activate the parasympathetic nervous system (your “rest and digest” mode), helping calm the body.

  • Emotional release
    Many people report surfacing and releasing suppressed emotions (sometimes intensely), which can feel cathartic.

  • Improved mood
    Some studies on breathwork show decreases in symptoms of mild depression and improved overall emotional state.

  • Increased self-awareness
    The repetitive, rhythmic nature can bring attention inward, similar to meditation.

Physical & Physiological Benefits

  • Better oxygenation (short-term effect)
    You may feel energized or tingly due to increased oxygen intake and changes in COâ‚‚ levels.

  • Nervous system regulation
    It can shift your body out of chronic “fight-or-flight” into a more regulated baseline over time.

  • Release of muscular tension
    Especially in the chest, diaphragm, and jaw—areas where stress is often held.

  • Improved breathing patterns
    Helps people who habitually take shallow breaths learn fuller diaphragmatic breathing.

Psychological / Experiential Effects

  • Altered states of consciousness
    Some people experience vivid imagery, insights, or a dreamlike state (similar to deep meditation or mild psychedelic-like states).

  • Sense of clarity or “reset”
    After a session, people often report mental clarity or a feeling of emotional lightness.

  • Enhanced mind-body connection
    You become more aware of physical sensations tied to emotions.

Long-Term Practice Benefits (with consistency)

  • Greater resilience to stress

  • Improved emotional regulation

  • Stronger mindfulness skills

  • Potential support for trauma processing (when done with a trained facilitator)

Important Caveats

  • This isn’t perfect for everyone — some people may feel dizzy, anxious, or overwhelmed.

  • The “tingling” (paresthesia) is often due to lowered COâ‚‚ (mild hyperventilation), not just “more oxygen.”

  • Trauma can surface — which is why guided sessions are recommended for deep work.

  • People with conditions like panic disorders, bipolar disorder, cardiovascular issues, or pregnancy should consult a professional first.