In our busy and often stressful society, breathing is something we rarely consciously think about. Yet the way we breathe has a huge impact on our physical and mental health. A breathing session is a powerful way to get more in touch with your body, release stress and experience inner peace. But what exactly is a breathing session, what is its purpose and what different breathing techniques are there? In this blog we delve deeper into the world of breathwork and discover how it can help you experience more relaxation, strength and connection.
What is a breathwork session?
A breathing session is a guided exercise in which you breathe consciously and in a structured way. This can be done individually or in a group, under the guidance of a breathing coach. During a session, a specific breathing technique is often used, such as connected breathing , in which you breathe without pauses between inhalation and exhalation.
By consciously directing your breathing, you can experience various effects:
- Deep relaxation and stress reduction
- More energy and vitality
- Emotional processing and releasing tension
- Awareness of stuck patterns
- Strengthening the mind-body connection
Every breathwork session is different and everyone experiences it in their own way. Some people feel energized and clear afterwards, while others can work through deep emotional processes. This is what makes breathwork so unique and powerful.
The purpose of a breathing session
Breathwork has been used for centuries in various cultures as a way to heal the body and mind. The main goals of a breathwork session are:
1. Relaxation and stress reduction
By consciously breathing, you activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which provides deep relaxation. This helps to release stress and tension, both physically and mentally.
2. More energy and vitality
Deeper breathing allows your body to take in more oxygen. This can increase your energy levels and give you a sense of clarity and strength.
3. Emotional processing and healing
During a breathing session, unprocessed emotions can surface. By consciously breathing and giving these emotions space, you can break through blockages and release emotional tension.
4. Expansion of consciousness
Some breathing techniques, such as connected breathing, can bring you into a deep meditative state. This can lead to insights, spiritual experiences and a deeper connection with yourself.
5. Connection with your body
Many people live in their heads and are not very aware of their bodies. By consciously breathing, you bring your attention back to the here and now and experience what is really happening in your body.
Different types of breathing sessions
There are several breathing techniques that are used in breathing sessions. Below we discuss some popular methods:
1. Connected Breathing
Connected breathing is a technique where you breathe in and out without pausing. This helps to release stuck energy and can provide a deep physical and emotional release. It is often used in therapeutic sessions to break through blockages.
2. Wim Hof Method
This technique , developed by Wim Hof, combines powerful breathing exercises with exposure to cold and mindset training. It strengthens your immune system, increases your energy level and helps your body to better cope with stress.
3. Box breathing (square breathing)
A technique in which you maintain a fixed breathing rhythm:
- Inhale for 4 seconds
- Hold for 4 seconds
- Exhale for 4 seconds
- Hold for 4 seconds
This helps with focus, relaxation and stress regulation.
4. Holotropic Breathwork
An intensive breathing technique developed by psychiatrist Stanislav Grof . By breathing deeply and rapidly, you can enter an altered state of consciousness, which can provide deep emotional and spiritual insights.
5. Pranayama (yogic breathing)
Pranayama includes several breathing techniques from yoga, such as Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) and Bhastrika (bellows breath) . These techniques help balance energy and improve focus and relaxation.
Our experience with breathing sessions
Breathing sessions can be a profound and unique experience, and that is exactly what we ourselves noticed during the breathing session with Chris Wenker of the Adem Academy . No session is the same, and everyone responds to it in a different way. The first time may have felt a bit strange - consciously directing the breath and letting go of control was new. But as the session progressed, a deep relaxation and a feeling of flowing energy through the body arose.
Sometimes unexpected emotions would surface. One moment it felt like a weight had been lifted off our shoulders, the next there was intense clarity and focus. In some sessions we experienced an almost meditative state, as if the mind had completely quieted down. Other times the breathing brought a powerful physical sensation, such as tingling or warmth throughout the body.
What we have learned most of all is that a breathing session gives you exactly what you need at that moment. Sometimes it is relaxation, sometimes it is energy, and sometimes it is emotional processing. The great thing is that you never know exactly what is going to happen, but that every session brings you a step closer to yourself.
Would you like to experience a breathing session?
If you are curious about breathwork, I highly recommend trying a breathwork session. Whether you are looking for relaxation, more energy or a deeper connection with yourself – breathing can be a powerful tool.
You can start with simple breathing exercises at home, or have an experienced breathing coach guide you. Many breathing therapists and yoga studios offer breathing workshops where you can discover under supervision what breathwork can do for you.
Have you ever experienced a breathwork session? What was your experience? Let me know in the comments!
