Prana means life force energy and ayama translates as "to exend or draw out." Together pranayama is the practice of breath control in yoga. I believe breathwork is one of the most healing modalities out there with the internal and external shifts that it brings. The best part is that everyone has access to their own breath and how to manipulate it for their own benefit and needs. Once you learn how to utilize your breath, it can help with everything from lowering blood pressure, boosting immunity, reducing stress and anxiety to releasing trauma stuck in the physical body.

BENEFITS OF BREATHWORK:

Breathwork brings about a higher level of self-awareness, a disconnection from the mind/thoughts and a connection to the heart. When you take deep breaths, breathwork can serve as an emotional release for people struggling with stress, anxiety, PTSD, and depression. Some of the most profound shifts I have seen are an overall increased mind-body connection and emotional purging. Breathwork is great for supporting the nervous system to move out of fight or flight (sympathetic nervous system), to rest and digest (parasympathetic nervous system).

The only requirement to breathwork is to be open to receiving the benefits, rather than resisiting the sensations that come with it. Breathwork can be uncomfortable for some with tetany, emotional release and the tingling sensations that it brings. As long as you go into the practice with an open mind, you will experience the benefits of the class.