Breathwork for Beginners: Your Questions Answered

Breathwork is thousands of years old and is now becoming popular in our modern world. You might have already read the blog post what is Breathwork but still, have some questions lingering. No worries, this post answers some of the most frequent questions asked about Breathwork. Not only by my own clients but also the questions that are most searched for on Google.

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Without further ado, let’s get started with the questions.

What is a breathwork class?

A Breathwork class is similar to any type of class. Where you have a group of people showing up to breathe together while a Breathwork Facilitator leads the class. Breathwork classes can happen in person or virtually.

Do I need to have my camera on when showing up for a live class?

Not at all. It's up to you if you want to have your camera on or off. Most people have them off the whole time. Only turning it on when they want to share their experience at the end. Though sharing can also be done through chat.

Is a live Breathwork class better than a recorded Breathwork class?

I've talked to many people about this and nobody has found a live class to be better than a replay. At least not when it comes to virtual breathwork.

In my own experience, I do prefer a recorded class to have video. Even though I only get to see the instructor while breathing, it's very comforting to see someone's face. Especially since my brain is often all over the place before a session. Which of course is one of the main reasons I practice Breathwork, the ability to quiet the mind. That's why all my Breathwork class recordings come with a video recording. Most also have an audio version.

There are only two benefits to joining a live class. One is the ability to share your experience at the end while hearing others share theirs. The second benefit is the accountability of having a set time that you’ve set aside for yourself. Other than that, it's the same experience.

How do you prepare for a Breathwork class?

In order to prepare for a session, one needs to make sure they have a place to comfortably lie down flat where they will not be disturbed. A bed, yoga mat, or couch are great places to do Breathwork. The more comfortable the better.

It's best not to have a pillow under the head, as this can construct the airways in the neck. If needed, use a super flat pillow.

Some items you may want to use before, during, and after a Breathwork class are:

• Incense, essential oils, and/or a candle to set the tone.

• Crystals if that's something you enjoy.

• An eye mask to cover your eyes.

• A blanket to manage the temperature.

• A pillow to scream into during the primal scream.

• A pillow under your knees for extra comfort in the lower back.

• Water for after the class.

• A journal to use write down anything that may have come up during the class.

Is Breathwork the same as meditation?

Breathwork is a form of active meditation. Instead of just sitting or lying still, the breath is used to calm the mind and the entire body. Some people (like me) prefer Breathwork over traditional meditation because it gives them something to do instead of just sitting still.

Would it be effective even if I don't scream?

At some point during Breathwork class, breathers are encouraged to let out a primal scream. An opportunity to experience a deeper emotional release. Not everyone finds this comfortable to do.

Yes, Breathwork is still effective without doing a primal scream. Before deciding to fully skip out on it, anyone should challenge themselves to try it out. Using a pillow to muffle the sound is always an option.

For women especially, the primal scream is an opportunity to own our voices. So many of us have been taught to stay quiet for way too long. Opening your mouth to scream, even if nothing comes out at first is a powerful way to step into one's power as a woman.

The best primal screams are when someone allows their whole body to scream and release. Which is deeper than a surface-level scream. Breathwork is about challenging ourselves in small increments. In time this will accumulate to a major step forward.

What is the best time to practice Breathwork?

Another way this question pops up is: when should you do Breathwork?

The answer is; any time really. Breathwork meets you where you're at. Meaning it will relax or energize your body based on what you need. This is because our body is designed to be self-regulating. However, stress stands in the way of that. Relaxing and oxygenating the body activates the parasympathetic nervous system which in turn helps heal the body.

On a more spiritual level, Breathwork is a type of somatic healing modality to quiet the monkey mind and connect to intuition. Which makes Breathwork a powerful practice for someone who’s feeling overwhelmed or anxious about anything. As I build my coaching business, it’s my go-to practice whenever I need to make a difficult business decision.

Can I do Breathwork sitting up?

It's possible to do Breathwork sitting up but not the best way to do it. Not only is the body more supported lying down, but it's also easier to fully relax.

What are the dangers of Breathwork?

There are some contraindications of Breathwork. Since it's still an experimental science, doing breathwork while experiencing these things can be dangerous. If anyone is experiencing any of these contraindications, they are encouraged to check with a doctor before doing Breathwork.

The Breathwork contraindications are:

• Pregnancy

• Cardiovascular disease

• Angina

• Heart attack

• High blood pressure

• Glaucoma

• Retinal detachment

• Osteoporosis

• Recent injury or surgery

• Any conditions for which you take regular medications

• History of panic attacks, psychosis

• Severe mental illnesses

• Seizure disorders

• Family history of aneurysms

• Coronavirus or flu-like symptoms

You got this!

Often times when people are afraid to do Breathwork, it’s their ego fearing the unknown. The ego is there to protect us. So if your ego is acting up, it’s a good idea to thank the ego for trying to keep you safe. Then gently remind the ego that you’ve got this!

Deep breathing brings deep thinking and shallow breathing brings shallow thinking.

– Elsie Lincoln Benedict

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