The Encyclopedia of Crystals, Herbs, and New Age Elements: An A to Z Guide to New Age Elements and How to Use Them - Adams Media 2016

Breathwork
The Power of Movement

ORIGINS

The breath is central to many New Age practices, including Qi Gong, tai chi, and yoga (see entries in this chapter). But breathwork is also a practice in itself. Consciously controlling our breathing is thought to influence our mental, emotional, and physical states, reducing stress and tension and increasing relaxation and focus. Specific techniques include pranayama, Holotropic Breathwork, and integrative breathwork.

HISTORY/LORE

Breathwork is an ancient practice that is integral to countless spiritual and healing endeavors. In Hinduism, the breath is considered the source of the life force (prana). Pranayama (extension of the life force or breath) is a type of breath control that is incorporated into many spiritual practices. The Czech psychiatrist Stanislav Grof (born 1931) developed Holotropic Breathwork, a trademarked method of accessing “non-ordinary” states of consciousness. Integrative breathwork, described as “an evocative musical journey utilizing breath,” was developed by Jacquelyn Small, who founded the Eupsychia Institute in Austin, Texas.

USES

Breathing is a natural, involuntary process. Our bodies do it whether we’re thinking about it or not. But taking the time to focus on the breath can have numerous benefits for both the mind and body. When we’re not concentrating on it, we often revert to shallow breathing, which means we don’t take in as much oxygen as we could. Consciously taking deeper, fuller breaths can help oxygenate the blood, which in turn helps our bodies work better, from our brains to our feet. There are countless ways to use breathwork, from incorporating it into your meditation or yoga routine to practicing it at your desk at work. There are many wonderful breathwork resources available online, but classes and workshops are especially good opportunities to learn from trained breathwork therapists and healers. There are also professional breathwork training programs for those who are interested in becoming practitioners themselves.