A new study proved that breathwork is more effective at reducing stress in the body than meditation. So what is breathwork ? There are various forms of breathwork, each with its own unique set of benefits. This study looked at cyclical breathing, but there are many popular breathing techniques to improve physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. We look at the most popular (and my favorite types):
The Wim Hof Method
Developed by Dutch extreme athlete Wim Hof, this method involves a combination of deep breathing, cold exposure, and meditation. The Wim Hof Method is believed to help improve cardiovascular health, boost the immune system, and reduce stress and anxiety.
Pranayama
Practiced in yoga, “pranayama” is a combination of two Sanskrit words: “Prana” (“Life force”) and “Yama” (control). So you could translate the word as “Harnessing Life force.” Pranayama is a collection of practices that involve different breath patterns, such as slow and deep breathing, alternate nostril breathing, and retention of breath. The practice of pranayama is believed to help improve lung function, reduce stress and anxiety, and improve overall physical and mental well-being.
Holotropic breathing
A technique that involves the use of specific breathing patterns and rhythms to induce altered states of consciousness, holotropic breathing is believed to help reach higher states of consciousness, promote emotional and psychological healing, achieve greater spiritual insight and improve physical health.
Buteyko method
One of the most popular forms of breathwork, Buteyko is a breathing technique developed by Russian physician Konstantin Buteyko. It aims to improve breathing patterns and reduce symptoms of conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The Buteyko method is based on the idea that over-breathing or hyperventilation can cause a number of health issues, and that by reducing the amount of air we take in, we can improve our overall health.
Each of the various forms of breathwork has its own unique benefits. All these should be practiced under the guidance of a trained practitioner, and people with certain health conditions should consult with their healthcare professional before starting a breathwork practice.