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. 

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

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. 

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. 

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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. 

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For virtual: headphones may be used to enhance the experience

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At Arrive Wellness: session rooms are private. These rooms have a massage table which you can sit or lie on.

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. 

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Breathwork can cause physical sensations during the practice such as changes to heart rate and body temperature, muscle cramps (often in the hands and feet). 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. 

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Breathwork can also lead to shifts in emotional state and heightened feelings. Trauma and held emotions are released in certain styles of breath such as Conscious Connected Breath. When practicing these styles of breath you may have the urge to cry, shout, shake, punch a pillow, or release emotion 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! 

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I offer supportive touch during the sessions but will always ask for consent. 

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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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. 

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.