Breathwork - so many different styles and techniques

"Breathwork" is a broad term, under which lies several different styles and techniques. Some more modern than others, and many have their heritage in Indian Pranayama - control of breath. Prana means “vital life force” and Yama “control”. By consciously controlling our breath through breathing exercises, we can create physical and emotional space in our body, we can rewire our mental patterns, open for a spiritual awareness. In short, we can increase the flow of life force and energy. 

Breathwork Healing - emotional and trauma releasing technique

This is the style of 2-part breath I usually conduct in groups and in 1:1 sessions, and it is a highly effective method to clear energetic blockages, stress or anxiety. It allows us to work through traumas stored in body, mind, spirit or psyche. It can enhance your creativity and get you in a state of flow. This technique allows the conscious mind to soften and lets the divine wisdom of the body take you on a powerful healing journey.

This practice can facilitate healing and growth mentally, physically, spiritually and emotionally, and is accessible to everyone, and is done with a two part breath technique. It allows you to clear stuck energy, anger or simply let go of things that are no longer serving you. It may shift your emotional state. It will leave you feeling grounded, calm and relaxed, empowered and less burdened. More connected to your true luminous self.

This style of breathwork is a very different technique from the pranayama one might experience at a yoga class. While those practices are also beneficial ofc, this potent method allows one to do deep healing work.

Wim Hof Breathwork

Wim Hof developed this breathing method in order to keep his body in optimal condition, increase stamina and gain complete control in the most extreme conditions. It's done by inhaling through your nose, and exhaling through your mouth, working in the parasympathetic nervous system. The Wim Hof technique includes breath holds and usually in combination with ice/cold baths/showers.

Holotropic Breathwork

Holotropic breathwork was developed during the 70’s by psychiatrists Stanislav and Christina Grof to achieve altered states of consciousness (without using drugs) and was seen to be a quite unconventional New Age practice. It involves controlled and quickened breathing patterns to influence mental, emotional, and physical states within a spiritual framework.

Intense form of meditation done in a group setting where you are paired in small groups of two. It takes about 2-3 hours, the music is repetitive and afterwards the participants draw mandalas and talk or discuss their experiences.

Transformational Breathwork

Developed by Dr. Judith Kravitz and this is an advanced self-healing modality where different principals from metaphysics, Kundalini Yoga, breath analysis, sound healing, body mapping plus other healing and spiritual principles in integrated

Personally, my opinion is that Breathwork is undeniably transformational. If can alter state of consciousness, shift your energy, your voice, your physique. I use the technique above mentioned as Breathwork Healing, combined with energy healing (Reiki) and the results are beautiful and for many highly transformative. You find upcoming Breathwork sessions online or in Stockholm here

Rebirthing Breathwork

Leonard Orr developed Rebirthing Breathwork in the late 1960 as a breathing process, or perhaps even a therapeutic form, to alleviate feelings such as fear, sadness, and anger. During his experiments with breathing techniques, he seemed to recall memories of when he was first born, and believed that by perfecting these breathing techniques, he could resolve any trauma that took place as an infant.

Prior session there is a longer dialogue together with a therapist, full breathwork session usually continues up to 2,5 h, and then a shorter dialogue after.

Short Breath work, breathing techniques and Breath exercises

Some examples below of short and efficient breathing techniques or breathing exercises. For video - go here.

Breathe in a square, Box breathing

A popular breathing technique used in many different situations and by different practitioners fom military personnel to teachers. This method is commonly used when you want to quickly calm a stress attack.

Pursed lip breathing

A great breathing technique when experiences shortness of breath, such as asthma. Or if you need to calm the body and bring the heart rate down, for example if you are feeling a panic attack approaching. You breathe in through your nose and slowly breathe out through your mouth with pursed lips

4-7-8 breathing

Breathing exercise for relieve feelings of anxiety, or prior sleep. You inhale through the nose all the way down to your expanded belly for 4 seconds, hold your breath for 7 seconds, and then exhale slowly through your mouth for 8 seconds while the belly softens.

Alternate nostril breathing

Nadi Shodhana has proven to give cardiovascular benefits such as improved blood pressure biomarkers and lower heart rate and is done by shifting your nostril breathing and you have a short breath hold before exhaling.

Anulm rest is similar, but without the breath hold.

Equal breathing

If your thoughts are spinning or you feel distracted, try to breathe with an equal breath, making your inhalation and exhalation the same length. It will stabilize your breath.

Breath focus

A great technique if your mind wanders, where you visualize images, words or phrases during deep breathing. Examples of words to focus on are "stillness," "relaxation," "let go," or "calm."

Breathwork Stockholm or Breathwork Online?

If you would like to try my favorite medicine, join for alonger group session Breathwork Stockholm or Breathwork Online, or if you prefer a private Breathwork session , duo/couple Breathwork session

Online Breathwork

To breathe online can be a powerful and safe experience, and you will feel the group even not being physically present. Beautiful way to release stress, anxiety, and nervous system blockages, leaving you feeling lighter and empowered by the end.

Breathwork Stockholm

A couple of sessions per month you are welcome to join the cosy Loft Studio, located in the middle of Östermalm, Stockholm. The Breathwork sessions are combined with Reiki Energy healing and are hosted by Breath Guide and Reiki Master Kia Agerhem.

Breathwork 1:1, Private Breathwork

A private Breathwork session with Kia can have the ability to go deep on an individual level which sometimes can promote a greater sense of self. A supportive, coaching conversation will enfold our session together.

Couple Breathwork or Duo Breathwork

A Breathwork duo session together with your partner, friend, parent/child can be effective to deepen a connection, move through a conflict, or create a tighter bond. We set the intention and then we breathe. Online or in-person Stockholm at The Loft, Östermalm

Corporate Breathwork

Breathwork can boost performance, enhance creativity and productivity, at the same time as reducing stress the risk of burnout. That is why Breathwork is coming increasingly popular within the company world. Breathwork is effective, no prior experience needed, and it will improve the mental, physical, and emotional health of company and employees.

If you would like a quote for your company, email here