What is breathwork?
Breathwork is the conscious controlled use of different breathing patterns, exercises, and techniques in order to achieve a specific outcome. It can be used to alter or enhance both emotional and physical states within the body.
What is breathwork used for?
Different styles of breathwork are used to achieve different outcomes, some of which include:
- Stress and anxiety reduction
- Increased productivity
- Increased focus and awareness
- Energy and attention management
- Pain management
- Emotional release
- Release of stored trauma
- Better sleep
- Enhanced connection to creativity, inspiration
- Connection with self and the Universe
I've been breathing my whole life- why do I need lessons on it??
We seek out nutritionists to optimize our diets, trainers to optimize our workouts, and coaches to optimize everything from sleeping to thinking- why wouldn't we also optimize our breathing?
So many things impact our breathing- from stress, to illness, to how we move our bodies. In turn, the way we breathe impacts every aspect of our lives. Learning to breathe properly and to fully engage our breathing organs can lead to better blood flow, increased endurance, lower stress levels, more restful sleep, and so many more amazing things.
About your Instructor
Julia is a 400-hour certified breathwork facilitator, 200-hour + certified yoga instructor, and mindset coach based out of New York City.
Julia’s background in engineering & construction led her to experience firsthand the toll that stress and demanding work environments can take on one's physical and mental well-being. Years of seeking out alternative healing practices helped her to overcome this stress and burnout. She is now passionate about using her knowledge to help others do the same.
Through her practice, Julia combines her scientific background and lived experience to deliver healing modalities with empathy and compassion. She creates a safe and nurturing environment, guiding clients through various breathing techniques & movements designed to release tension, promote relaxation, and access deep healing. Her goal is to empower individuals to tap into their inner strength and resilience in the face of life's challenges.
Connect with her for virtual or in-person sessions and workshops at https://www.breathing-patterns.com/
Frequently Asked Questions
What style of breathwork will we practice?
The style of breathwork used will vary depending on the desired outcome and your current mental and physical state (ie if there are any contraindications or injury). Styles used draw from both traditional practices such as pranayama, and more modern practices such as Conscious Connected Breath. We will assess which styles are best for your needs. Depending on the style, breathing may be done through the nose, mouth, or both.
What do I need for our session?
It's important to create a safe, quiet, and comfortable space in which you will have minimal disruption. Breathing may be done sitting or lying down. Pillows and blankets can be used during the session to provide extra comfort. I also recommend having tissues available and a glass of water for after the session. Headphones may be used to enhance the experience
Please refrain from eating for 1-2 hours before the session as certain styles of breath can disrupt digestion. Wear clothing that you're comfortable in and that isn't too restrictive.
What can I expect during a session?
Sessions vary- here is a typical format for a private session:
- Check in to review your goals for the practice, and if you are experiencing any of the contraindications. This will determine what style of breathing we will be practicing.
- Review breath practices we will be using
- Get comfortable and set up for the breath. We will do some grounding practices which may include body scans, meditation, etc.
- Guided breathing practice for approx. 30 minutes. I will remain with you through the entire session to provide any support needed, including any modifications.
- Integration- at the end of each practice it's important to ground yourself once more and take time to integrate your experience.
How will I feel during/after?
Breathwork is a powerful practice which changes the blood chemistry. As such it can cause physical sensations such as changes to heart rate, body temperature, and muscle cramping (often in the hands and feet- this is called tetany). Although these are generally harmless and will dissipate once practice is complete, we can alter the breath during the practice if anything is too intense or uncomfortable.
Breathwork can also lead to shifts in emotional state and heightened feelings. Certain styles of breathing such as Conscious Connected Breath often release trauma and held emotion. When practicing these styles of breath you may have the urge to cry, shout, shake, punch a pillow, or release energy in another physical way. While this may feel new or scary the first time please know it's totally normal- your body is releasing what it needs to let go of! These feelings are often very intense especially if you are new to the practice.
Sessions will always end with time for grounding and coming back into your space. In the hours and days after a session it's not uncommon to feel heightened awareness, connectivity, or emotional sensitivity.
How many sessions are needed?
Number of sessions varies depending on what your goals are. A single session can be used as an intro and to assess a plan for moving forward.
Are there any contraindications?
Speak with your doctor before practicing breathwork if you have any of the following:
- Cardiovascular disease
- High blood pressure
- Glaucoma
- Retinal detachment
- Aneurysms
- Recent surgery
- Early stage or delicate pregnancy
- Seizures
There are breathing modifications which can be used for some of these contraindications, but it's important to check with a medical professional as well as to inform me of any relevant medical history before your session.
Breathwork can also bring emotions to the surface as they are released, this can be a very powerful and sometimes scary experience especially with the use of certain types of breath. I am there to help guide you through these experiences and shift the breath if at any point they are too overwhelming or you're feeling unwell. Please check in with a doctor if you have a history of bipolar disorder or schizophrenia before starting any breathwork practice.
How do I schedule my appointment?
Upon purchasing coaching, you'll receive further instructions on how to book a time for your appointment. There is a Calendly appointment calendar where you can book directly, or you can reach out via [email protected]
Can I purchase coaching more than once?
Absolutely! If you find yourself in need of coaching more than once, simply purchase the coaching again.
Do you offer refunds?
Refunds are available if session is scheduled up to 24 hours in advance.
Cancellation for single sessions within 24 hours of scheduled time will result in a 50% charge. Cancellations for package sessions within 24 hours of scheduled time are allowed 1 reschedule. For repeated cancellations, session will be forfeited.
No shows will not be refunded and the entire session fee will be charged.