What is Breathwork and Its Benefits?
Martine, Head of Yoga will be leading a Breathwork class every Sunday at Elixr. She outlines in this article the benefits, dangers and why you should learn from a qualified teacher.
What is Breathwork?
Simply, breathwork is learning how to breathe better. For most of us that is something that we don’t think about until it’s a problem. The trouble is when you don’t breathe well you don’t think or feel well. Like any muscle in your body, your lungs need exercise to operate at their best. Breathwork classes will teach you how to breathe deeper and more effectively and to move from mouth breathing (which stimulates your fight or flight response) to nose breathing (which stimulates your healing and calming response).
Why is Breathwork so popular right now?
It certainly is, I’ve seen it listed in the Harvard Medical Journal as cardiac breathing and with Wim Hof getting people to use their breathing to walk through below zero temperatures. I think it’s a case of ancient breathwork techniques breaking through into the mass health industry and turning into a fad. This is good and bad, good because breathing well is excellent for us and bad because there is a lot of nonsense out there that could potentially be dangerous too.
Why are you qualified to teach Breathwork?
I’ve been a yoga student for the past 30 years and from my early classes, breathwork was introduced as an integral part of the practice. I was taught in a small group with my teacher, Anna Prior, as is the traditional method. I still remember sitting in that circle and having trouble taking deep breaths. Since then, it has become a staple of my daily practice. I get up at sunrise each day and meditate, do my breathwork and then finish with my posture work. Since my first lessons with Anna, I have gone on to study breathwork with Gregor Maehle (his book The Breath of Yoga is incredible), Paul Dallaghan and his teacher Sir O.P. Tiwari, and my own teacher Eileen Hall. I firmly believe a good foundation of breathing sets you up for life and am excited to share its benefits with the Elixr community.
Do I have to be a yogi to enjoy Breathwork?
Absolutely not! Breathwork is for everyone, regardless of your yoga experience or fitness level. It’s a simple yet powerful practice that can benefit anyone looking to enhance their well-being. Whether you’re new to breathwork or a seasoned practitioner, this special class offers valuable tools to help you breathe better and feel better. And like all classes, we warm up with simple exercises, we take rest and slowly build our ability.
Who would benefit?
Everyone will benefit from this practice. It will increase your energy levels, clarity of thinking and general wellness. It is especially valuable for people suffering from anxiety, depression, fatigue, asthma and other similar conditions.
When is Breathwork On?
Join us for Breathwork sessions every Sunday from 5:00-5:30 PM in Siddartha Guatama (Level 2). It’s the perfect way to wind down your weekend and set a positive tone for the week ahead.
