Breathwork & Yin Yoga

Breathwork, a term increasingly common in wellness circles, refers to a collection of practices where an individual consciously controls and modifies their breathing pattern. Ranging from traditional pranayama in yoga to more modern forms like Holotropic breathwork, these practices have the potential to transform emotional, mental, and physical health.

The foundation of breathwork lies in the philosophy that our breath is a bridge between our conscious and unconscious selves. Through manipulating our breath, we can gain access to typically subconscious areas of our minds and bodies, fostering greater self-awareness and healing.

Breathwork typically involves inhaling, holding the breath, and exhaling - each for varying durations. The specific technique, intensity, and duration can vary widely between different forms of breathwork. Some techniques promote rapid, intense breathing, while others emphasize slow, mindful breaths. Sessions can be self-guided or led by trained practitioners and can last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours.

So, why would one want to alter their natural breathing? The answers lie in the profound physiological, psychological, and spiritual benefits that breathwork can offer.

What to bring:

• Water
• Snacks
• Pillow
• Eyemask (optional)

HOW TO PREPARE FOR THE JOURNEY:

Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing (no belt or buttons) not restrictive around the waist. Loosen bra or avoid altogether.

Before the session: Avoid consuming any alcohol or intoxicating substances and do not eat a large meal. Make sure all food is digested at least 1 hour before and eat lightly in the hours prior.

Avoid coffee at least 3 hours before Breathwork. Caffeinated tea or cacao is ok right before the journey. Coffee in the morning is fine if it's a part of your routine.

If you have low blood sugar, have nuts or a piece of fruit nearby

Finally, take space for yourself in the hour before our live session, drink some water, make sure you have eaten something (digested 1 hour before), ground in (in nature if you can), set an intention, and clear your energetic field.

Turn off or silence notifications on your phone. Keep your phone in airplane mode.

Don't drive a car/motorbike for at least 30 minutes after the journey.

Contraindications:

Conscious, Connected Breathwork results in certain specific physiological changes in the body and also can result in intense physical and emotional release. Please be aware that these sessions are safe, illuminating, transformative and deeply healing, and can sometimes cause the following:

• Tingling
• Buzzing
• Vibrating

Next is a list of contraindications for Conscious, Connected Breathwork. If you are on the contraindication list, please reach out to Ashlene directly at [email protected]. We are happy to discuss modified, gentle breathwork with you for a later date.

• Detached Retina
• Glaucoma
• Kidney disease
• Cardiovascular disease, including angina, previous heart attack, or stroke
• Diagnosis of aneurysm of any kind
• Uncontrolled thyroid conditions
• Severe Asthma— for mild to moderate asthma, we can discuss, but you must bring your inhaler to the session
• Epilepsy
• History of Seizures
• Prior diagnosis of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or previous psychiatric condition
• Pregnant
• Recent surgery, stitches, or injury
• Any other medical, psychiatric, or physical conditions which would impair or affect the ability to engage in any activities that involve deep physical and/or emotional release

Yin Yoga has long passive holds that focus on bringing healthy stress to the fascia and connective tissues. It can provide increased mobility, stress relief, and space to sit with yourself in stillness. For Trevor it is a space to practice how to sit in discomfort and to practice self soothing in discomfort through surrender, stillness, and breath.

What to wear:

For yin wear comfortable clothes and layers so you can stay warm during the cooling practice.

Breathwork can offer profound physiological, psychological, and spiritual benefits . Yin Yoga can help integrate the benefits of breathwork by giving you a safe container to sit and be still with what has come up.

Host or Publisher Trevor Cook