4 Breathwork Method for Healing and Transformation

Breathwork Method. That is what’s on my mind while I sit here and sip on my organic soursop leaf tea. This thought is reminding me to do my breathing exercises. I was also thinking back to my experience with shortness of breath that hospitalized me. Wow! That was a stressful time for me, but it was also a time to educate myself about ways to heal and maintain good respiration health. Check out my health scare story.

In my research about breathwork, I found that there is an overwhelming amount of information about various techniques. You know how the internet is right? However, I was able to sift through and found a few techniques that I tried. These include the Wim Hof Method Breathing, Alchemy Breathwork, box breathing, diaphragmatic breathing, and more. 

I will attempt to use the information that I gathered online to explain each of the methods that I named above. Hope the information provided will be useful to you. There are numerous books that you can find online that will provide you with practical guides to breathwork.

Wim Hof Method Breathing

According to their website, “Heightened oxygen levels hold a treasure trove of benefits, and the specialized breathing technique of the Wim Hof Method unearths them all: more energy, reduced stress levels, and an augmented immune response that swiftly deals with pathogens.”

This method requires you to inhale deeply through the nose or mouth and exhale unforced through the mouth. You have to fully inhale through the belly, then the chest, and then let go unforced. Learn more about the Wim Hof Method here and watch the video below that demonstrates how the practice is done.

If you intend to practice using this video demonstration, kindly note the warning in the video description on YouTube: “Don’t do the breathing exercises in a swimming pool, before going underwater, beneath the shower, or piloting any vehicle. Always practice sitting or lying down in a safe environment. Tinnitus symptoms may appear as a result of pushing too forcefully during the breathing exercise. If this happens, take a step back in your future practice, it’s important to increase gradually, not forcefully!”

Alchemy Breathwork

Alchemy Breathwork is a powerful and therapeutic breathwork method that is used to facilitate healing and transformation in individuals. This breathwork method is based on the principles of alchemy and focuses on the transformation of the breath, mind, and body. It is a form of conscious connected breathing, which is used to induce a state of deep relaxation and meditation. 

The benefits of Alchemy Breathwork are numerous. Primarily, it helps to reduce stress and anxiety and to promote relaxation and peace. It can also help to improve concentration and focus and to increase energy levels. In addition, this breathwork method can help to improve the quality of sleep, reduce fatigue, and improve mood. It can also be used as a tool for self-exploration and personal growth.

Alchemy Breathwork helps to release blocked energy and emotions. This can be beneficial for those who have experienced trauma, or for individuals who are struggling with feelings of sadness or anger. This breathwork method enables individuals to connect with their inner selves and to move through challenging emotions with ease. Furthermore, it can help to reduce physical tension, increase flexibility and mobility, and promote overall physical health.

I have tried a few Alchemy Breathwork exercises but found that I prefer following the technique by Devon The Black Airbender. He has some courses that may be helpful to you, but so far I have only tried the breathwork exercises on his Youtube Channel. This is the video that I use the most when doing the Alchemy Breathwork method:

Box Breathing

Box Breathing, also known as Square Breathing or Four Square Breath, is a simple yet effective form of breathwork. It is a powerful exercise that can be used to reduce stress, improve focus, and increase relaxation. The technique involves inhaling for a count of four, holding the breath for another count of four, exhaling for a count of four, and then holding the breath again for a count of four. It is an easy exercise that can be done anywhere and anytime.

The benefits of Box Breathing are numerous. It helps to reduce stress and anxiety, as it brings your body and mind into a relaxed state. It increases focus and clarity as it brings your mind into the present moment and helps you to be more mindful of your thoughts and feelings. It can also help to reduce panic attacks and feelings of overwhelm, as it helps to regulate the nervous system and bring it back to a balanced state.

Here is a very simple demonstration by Oxygen Advantage to implement. “Start by breathing in gently and slowly through your nose for 2 seconds and then hold your breath for 2 seconds. Next, breathe out through your nose for 2 seconds and then hold your breath for 2 seconds. Finally, breathe in through your nose for 2 seconds. You shouldn’t hear your breathing during this exercise.”

You can increase the number of seconds once you are comfortable. Therefore, you can upgrade from 2 seconds to maybe 5 or 10 seconds, depending on the time that is available to you and again, your comfort level.

Diaphragmatic Breathing

Diaphragmatic Breathing is an ancient breathwork method that has been used for centuries to promote overall health and well-being. This type of breathing has been proven to be beneficial for both physical and mental health. It helps to improve your breathing patterns, reduce stress and anxiety, and even reduce the risk of certain illnesses.

The main benefit of Diaphragmatic Breathing is that it helps to relax the body and mind. This type of breathing encourages the body to take deeper breaths, which helps to reduce stress and tension. By focusing on each breath and the sensation of air passing through your body, you can reach a state of relaxation. This can help to reduce physical and mental discomfort, and it can also help to reduce the perception of pain. 

Diaphragmatic Breathing can also help to improve your respiratory system. This type of breathing encourages the use of your diaphragm, which helps to improve your lung capacity. Using your diaphragm to take in air, can help to improve your oxygen intake, which is important for overall health. 

Additionally, it can also help to reduce the risk of certain respiratory illnesses like asthma. Watch the video below for a demonstration from Whitney Zweeres.

This is one of my favorite techniques. It is important to practice this type of breathing regularly to get the full benefits. With regular practice, Diaphragmatic Breathing can help to improve your overall health and well-being.

Breathwork Method Similarities

Do you notice a pattern here? They all have similar benefits. There is much talk about which is better and you know the works about the whole comparison issue. I am not an expert of any sort on breathing techniques, but what I know is that we all breathe. Being intentional about practicing breathwork will help you in so many ways as you have seen above. 

As stated in my introduction, I have tried many of these and other methods and found them to be helpful to my situation. If something is stressing me, I pause and do one of these exercises. If I feel a little winded, especially after doing some rigorous movements, I do slow deep breathing exercises. I love it when I am doing stretching exercises and just breathing deeply and slowly. Omg, it puts me on a different level! At the end of the day, it’s all about taking care of our mental and physical health – Healing and Transformation.

Conclusion

Have you ever tried any of these techniques? What was your experience? If not, which of these powerful exercises will you practice to reduce stress, improve your focus sleep quality, and mood, increase relaxation, and so on? Share your comments with us. In doing so you may help someone else.

Oh, hold up! Before you go I just want to encourage you not to practice these breathwork methods shortly after eating. I usually eat at least an hour before doing breathing exercises.