About Breathing
We breathe as we live and we live as we breathe
What is breathing?
Breathing is the first thing we do upon being born. It is the first physiological change, the first separation from our mother's body, and the first freedom to be who we are.
Everything that happened from that moment onward - is history.
A history of expansion, joy, and loving movement.
And also a history of contraction, fear, reduction, and blockage.
Every time we wanted something and were told no – we contracted.
Every time we were hurt, angered, startled, or in pain – we were reduced.
Every time we loved and the love was not returned – another part within us was blocked.
Our body remembers everything. The body stores all this information within the cells and tissues, and slowly accumulates a load and seeks to release.
Breathing is actually a wonder drug - a deep inhale brings oxygen into our body that reaches exactly the places that now need awakening, ventilation, and expansion - the cells and tissues holding the memory that is on its way out because its time has come.
The exhale removes waste from our body, together with experiences and memories that no longer serve us.
Continuous and deep inhaling and exhaling create synchronization between the old and the new, connecting the body and the soul.
Breathing is a natural resource that uses the oxygen around us and breathes life into us.
No breath is like the one before it; every breath is different and distinct and reflects what is happening within us at this very moment.
Every breath invites us to this moment.
Breathing has no past or future; it connects us to the here and now and helps to bring up physical and emotional contents present in our body.
Background and History
Breathing is mentioned in many cultures and included in the development of ancient perceptions (Tai Chi, Yoga, Kabbalah, and more).
There is use of breathing in most traditions such as Buddhism, shamanic rituals, prayers in various religions, and singing rituals using voice and breath.
The background and history of breathing are found in different cultures.
Today, breathing is used in many practices, from martial arts and free diving to a tool used for regulation and meditation.
What is breath therapy?
Using our respiratory system to allow and support a process of change and healing. With the help of conscious breathing, we produce and encourage physiological, physical, emotional, mental, and energetic changes.
We create a space where the person can heal themselves and feel that they have sovereignty over their body.
Breath therapy belongs to the world of somatic psychotherapy (psyche = soul, therapy = treatment).
The work is through the body and bypasses the mind. Breathing is the way - through endless possible techniques (there is no right or wrong), we will explore how to use the respiratory system in the different situations of life to reach healing, growth, development, and strengthening.
A person breathes as they live. Breathing clearly expresses our state at any given moment. At the same time, it is possible with the help of breathing to immediately change our state - this is one of the few systems in the body that is both autonomous (happens on its own) and controlled by us and changeable. This is the uniqueness of the respiratory system.
A person lives as they breathe. Breathing is a bridge between the conscious and the unconscious. Between the head and the body. Between automatic processes and choosing what happens in our body. The very fact of our awareness of breathing already changes our breathing, and it is significant to our therapeutic process and our life experience.
We will always try to have a small part of us aware of our breathing and noticing how we breathe.
Our breathing is a tool for emotional regulation, relaxation, and reducing arousal.
Using various breathing techniques helps us in reducing stress, pressure, depression, and anxiety.