The Power of Breathwork: Key to Health in 2023

Written by: Brett I. Robertson, (5min read)

Executive Contributors at Health Med. Training Solutions are handpicked researchers, course creators and educators and are invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.

The power of breathwork has long been touted as one of the best ways to foster health and wellness. It is a simple practice that has the potential to transform both your physical and mental health. It can help you to reduce stress, boost energy, and even deepen your understanding of yourself. This article will take a closer look at the power of breathwork, the many benefits it offers, and how it can be used as a key to self-development.

“Inhale deeply and exhale slowly. This helps to relax the body and the mind.”

– ANON

When it comes to self-development, breathwork can be an extremely powerful tool. It can help you to connect with your innermost thoughts and feelings, and to access parts of yourself that you may be otherwise unable to reach. This can be an incredibly transformative experience, and one that can help you to grow and develop in ways you never thought possible.

So what exactly is breathwork? And how can it be used as a tool for self-development? Read on to find out.

What is breathwork?

Breathwork or breathing exercises focus on using conscious, intentional breathing techniques to promote health. Practices may involve deep, rhythmic breathing exercises and sending breath to specific parts of the body. Breathwork can be intentionally used to help reduce stress, improve emotional balance, and increase self-awareness amongst many others.

There are many resources available to learn about the science of breathing exercises, including online classes, books, and videos, however, be aware simple and stripped-down can be just as effective. We recommend our researcher-led course Breathwork: The Science by Keith Bradley. In this two-hour course, you will learn the anatomy and mechanics of breathing. Get powerful visual tools to understand breathing more fully, getting the confidence to explore all breathing exercises.

“Breathe. Let go. And remind yourself that this very moment is the only one you have for sure.”

– Oprah Winfrey

9 reasons to start a breathing practice for your health:

1. Reduce stress and anxiety

Practising deep breathing can help to reduce stress and anxiety and create a sense of calm and relaxation.

2. Improve focus and concentration

Deep breathing can help to clear the mind and increase focus and concentration.

3. Boost energy

Breathing exercises can boost energy levels by oxygenating the body.

4. Improve circulation

It can help to improve the circulation of oxygen and nutrients to the body’s cells, which can help to boost the immune system.

5. Promote better quality sleep

Breathwork can help to reduce stress and anxiety, which can help to promote better quality sleep.

6. Relax and reduce blood pressure

Breathwork can help to relax the body and reduce blood pressure.

7. Reduce pain

Research suggests breathwork can help to reduce pain.

8. Help reduce inflammation

Deep breathing is said to help reduce inflammation in the body.

9. Reduce symptoms of depression

Breathwork can help to reduce stress and promote relaxation, which can help to reduce the symptoms of depression.

Breathing exercises have been shown to reduce stress, anxiety and depression, which can help to improve mental clarity and focus and reduce the risk of developing cognitive impairment. In addition, regular practice of deep breathing can increase oxygen levels in the brain, which can improve mental alertness and concentration, and can even help to slow the progression of degenerative diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer’s.

“Breathing is the greatest pleasure in life.”

– Giovanni Papini

Explore some of the research

The best research on breathing exercises can be found in the Harvard Medical School Special Health Report, “Relaxation Techniques: Breath Control Helps Quiets the Mind and Promotes Health.” The report is based on more than 25 years of research on the effects of breath control practices on health and well-being. The report provides evidence that regular practice of breathing exercises can reduce stress and anxiety, improve mental alertness, and help maintain overall health. In addition, the report reviews the latest research on how breathing exercises can be used to improve physical and mental performance.

View the Course (Breathwork: The Science) on the Business Hub

“After almost three decades of practising breathing exercises, simple techniques used consistently are all you need to get the most out of your efforts. What I value now are moments of complete immersion.”

Just begin, it is that simple.

– Brett Robertson

How can our readers further explore these subjects?

Wellness – Join industry experts in healthcare to achieve your health goals
Leadership – Get started with our World-class leadership courses
Personal Development – Redefine What’s Possible
Professional Development – Supercharge Your Career Roadmap
Personnel Mastery – We’ve got courses for every learning stage, from entry-level to executive.

References:

Breathwork: A Literature Review and Implications for Clinical Practice (2016)
Breathwork: A Clinical Review with Practical Applications (2018)
Breathwork for Stress Management: A Systematic Review (2017)
The Effect of Breathwork on Anxiety, Stress and Depression: A Systematic Review (2018)
Efficacy of Breathwork for the Treatment of Stress and Anxiety (2015)
The Effects of Breathwork on Cognitive Performance: A Systematic Review (2015)
Breathwork for Mindfulness and Stress Reduction: A Systematic Review (2018)
Effects of Breathwork on Physical Performance: A Systematic Review (2018)
The Effects of Breathwork on Sleep Quality: A Systematic Review (2018)
Breathwork as an Intervention for Chronic Pain: A Systematic Review (2018)