I consider myself to have a large advantage over the general public- I know how to manage and survive many of life’s challenges (i.e. my emotions) with my breath. You too, can have this superpower. It’s not complicated, it only takes the commitment of a bit of time, practiced consistently over time. Breathwork is something I do in every session I teach and many of my coaching sessions to help ground and center my clients. It is probably the single most powerful tool in the yoga toolkit. I think most people greatly underestimate the ability of a simple moment of conscious breathing to sooth and center the soul.

Breathwork is a yogic practice called Pranayama (prana=life force, yama=control). There are many different styles of Pranayama, and each one offers a particular benefit. Some up-regulate the nervous system, warming the body and enlivening the senses. Breath of Fire is one example. It may be the perfect for someone whose feeling unmotivated, lethargic or just plain cold. Breath of Fire is a great choice if you’re feeling down and need a bit of a lift. Nadi Shodana can help down-regulate the nervous (calm it from fight or flight) and leave the practitioner with a deep sense of ease and calm.

One bit of information that rarely gets discussed in Yoga Teacher Training (even advanced trainings) is how different types of pranayama impact those who have a history of trauma. Breathwork can be a trigger for students, especially when breath retention or inhaling through the mouth is a part of the practice. Breathing through the mouth activates the fight or flight response in the sympathetic nervous system (think of running from a giant bear). Holding the breath is a response commonly see in anyone whose feeling anxious, hence the frequent reminder from a friend or loved one to “just breathe.” So, retaining the breath, particularly early in a practitioner’s studies can bring about an adverse response. It is better to have the breath steadily moving in and out and work up to breath retention. Most importantly, the student should never feel compelled to maintain a pranayama that is causing discomfort (physical or emotional). More than anything, I want students to feel they have agency over their own bodies in their practice. There are definite benefits to each type of Pranayama, and as the student becomes more comfortable in their own skin, they should be encouraged to experiment with some of these forms of breathwork, but at a pace that’s comfortable for them.

It’s my belief that the breath is the single most powerful vehicle for emotion regulation. This makes it, in my opinion, the most vital and dynamic aspect of yoga. It is also the most accessible aspect of yoga, available to every Body.