What is Breathwork and How Can it Help You?

In today’s fast paced world, many of us live in a constant state of stress without even noticing it. Breathwork offers a simple and accessible way to interrupt this cycle. By changing the way you breathe, you can support your nervous system, ease emotional strain and improve your overall wellbeing.

Breathwork has roots in ancient practices from yoga, meditation and Eastern medicine. It is now backed by growing research showing its benefits for mental, emotional and physical health.

What is breathwork

Breathwork refers to any intentional breathing technique that brings awareness to the breath. By shifting your breathing pattern, you can influence how your body responds to stress. Research shows that controlled breathing can activate the parasympathetic nervous system and reduce tension. You can read more here: Breathing practices for stress and anxiety reduction.

There are many types of breathwork, ranging from slow calming methods such as box breathing, to deeper, more transformative practices like holotropic breathing and Transformational Breath.

What is Transformational Breath

Transformational Breath, offered at Blue Root Health, is a connected and continuous breathing technique developed by Dr Judith Kravitz. It uses conscious breathing without pauses between the inhale and the exhale. This method often integrates sound, movement and simple affirmations to help release physical tension and emotional holding patterns.

It is designed to help open restricted breathing, increase oxygenation and support emotional expression in a safe and guided environment.

How breathwork can help you

Reduce stress and anxiety

Slow and intentional breathing helps guide the body out of a highly reactive state. Studies show that breathwork can lower stress, anxiety and depression by regulating the nervous system. You can read more here: Breathwork and mental health outcomes.

Release emotional tension

Many people hold unprocessed emotions in the chest, diaphragm and abdominal muscles. Transformational Breath can help bring these emotions to the surface in a supportive setting. Research shows that breath control influences vagal tone, which plays a major role in emotional balance. You can read more here: Respiratory vagal stimulation model.

Support physical wellbeing

Breathwork increases oxygen flow, supports circulation and helps relax the muscles. Over time, it can improve digestion, sleep and energy levels. Some individuals also notice reduced pain as the nervous system settles.

Enhance mental clarity and focus

Breathwork helps quiet racing thoughts and support clearer thinking. A helpful overview of how breathwork influences cognitive and emotional states can be found here:
The science behind breathwork and stress reduction

Is breathwork safe for everyone

Breathwork is safe for most people. Those who are pregnant, have cardiovascular conditions or respiratory illnesses should speak with a healthcare provider before beginning. At Blue Root Health, Transformational Breath sessions are guided by trained facilitators who create a supportive, trauma aware environment.

How to get started

You do not need any experience to begin breathwork. You can start with five to ten minutes of slow breathing at home, or book a Transformational Breath session at Blue Root Health for guided support. Sessions are tailored to your individual needs and can help you explore deeper benefits safely.

Experience the power of breath at Blue Root Health

If you are looking for a natural way to manage stress, deepen your emotional resilience or reconnect with your body, breathwork offers a gentle and effective path forward. Whether you are navigating emotional strain, chronic tension or simply want to feel more energised, breathwork can help you feel more grounded and at ease.

Ready to begin your breathwork journey
Explore Transformational Breath at Blue Root Health and discover how intentional breathing can support your wellbeing.

Sources

• Hopper, I., et al. (2023). Breathing practices for stress and anxiety reduction. Frontiers in Psychology. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10741869/

• Balban, M., et al. (2022). Breathwork on mental health: Meta analysis of randomised controlled trials. Scientific Reports. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-27247-y

• Streeter, C., et al. (2018). Respiratory vagal stimulation and contemplative activity. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6189422/

• News Medical. (2023). The science behind breathwork and stress reduction. News Medical Network.https://www.news-medical.net/health/The-Science-Behind-Breathwork-and-Stress-Reduction.aspx