COPING THROUGH BREATHWORK
Hosted by Aidan Wellness and Transcendence Holistic Therapy Services
We use our breath to nurture our body with oxygen and thrive. Physical and emotional stressors alter our breathing pattern. This alteration can lead to habitual shallow breathing causing headaches, tightness in the chest cavity, fatigue, and panic attacks. Through breathwork, in other words, mindful conscious breathing, we are able to enhance our breath, calm levels of stress and anxiety, and promote inner balance.
WHAT IS BREATHWORK?
Breathwork is an ancient form of Yoga practice, originating in India, where breathing techniques, known as Pranayama, are used to nourish the mind and body, and release any stress and toxins. The word Pranayama derives from "prana" meaning breath or life force and "yama" meaning expansion or rise. In yogic teachings, it is believed that one can control the power of the mind through regulated breath.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
Breathwork forces us to focus on breathing, this allows our Central Nervous System to settle down, decrease its "fight or flight" response and guide our body back to normal function. Other physical and emotional health benefits include: improved respiratory function, balanced blood pressure, reduced stress hormones, fewer feelings of anxiety plus, improved mental focus and outlook in life.
ABOUT THE WORKSHOP:
Throughout the three part workshop you will be taught how to use mindful or controlled breath as a natural coping mechanism to manage pain, stress, anxiety, negative emotions and hectic lifestyles. In addition we will cover:
* the biomechanics of Yoga breathing technique and its three parts
* how to engage the diaphragm, thoracic cavity and chest during breathwork
* Yoga stretches to target respiratory muscles
* how to observe breathing patterns and heighten body awareness
* how to coordinate breath with movement
In Part I of the workshop we will focus on activating our diaphragm, a major respiratory muscle, through belly breathing exercises. We will learn how to maximize the use of this wonderful muscle and indirectly calm our "fight or flight' response.
Date: January 15th, 2022 at 10am - 60 minutes
In Part II of the workshop we will practice expanding the thoracic cavity allowing increased oxygen intake and optimized gas exchange (O2/CO2) in the lungs.
Date: February 12th, 2022 at 10am - 60 minutes
In Part III we will concentrate on using our secondary respiratory muscles, in the chest and neck, to fill the upper fraction of the lungs and complete the breath.
Date: March 12th, 2022 at 10am - 60 minutes
"I was suffering from stress and insomnia, but after learning a proper breathing technique from Nadia, now I am able to sleep more soundly. I practiced it before going to sleep and it relaxed me immensely. I would recommend this breathing technique to anyone who is experiencing stress or anxiety. Thank you Nadia!" - Shahana
