Breathwork Workshop with Cheri

‌Breathwork may also have a positive impact on your central nervous system. When you feel stressed, your breath tends to become fast and shallow, which can limit the oxygen entering your bloodstream. Your brain tells your body there is a threat, and your body responds in fight or flight.

When you take time to slow down and purposefully breathe deeply and slowly, you tell your brain that everything is OK. Your brain communicates to your body that it’s safe to relax. The fight or flight response decreases, and your body can begin to function normally again.

Breathwork Techniques

Deep abdominal breathing. This technique uses a long, deep breath. As you breathe, you can visualize your breath filling up your body. Your belly and chest should both expand when you inhale. When you exhale, your chest relaxes, and your navel pulls back in toward your spine. This type of deep breathing tells your body to relax.

4 Count Breath - This technique adds counting beats as you breathe in and out to quiet and focus your mind. Breathe in for four beats, hold your breath for four beats, and then exhale for four beats and hold for four beats.

Alternate Nostril Breathing. Start with your right thumb, applying pressure to your right nostril. Breathe using only your left nostril and hold your breath as you switch sides. Release your right thumb and use your right index finger to apply pressure to the left nostril as you exhale through the right nostril. Pause, take another deep breath in, and then alternate again. This type of breathing technique helps encourage balance in your mind and body.

Breath of fire. This breath work is a more advanced technique. When you inhale, your abdominal muscles are relaxed. When you exhale, engage your core to help push the air out of your body. This breathing technique may take some practice. Once achieved, it helps to provide a sense of steadiness.

Physical health benefits of breathwork may include:

• Balanced blood pressure
• More time in deep sleep
• Reduction of PTSD and feelings of trauma
• Stronger respiratory function
• Better immune system
• Release of stress hormones from your body

Emotional benefits may include:

• Fewer feelings of depression and anxiety
• Better mental focus
• Decrease in addictive behaviors
• Allowing emotional scars to heal
• Better outlook on life
• Contentment and joy