MARY CATHERINE JESSEE THERAPY, LLC
Pranayama & Breathing Techniques
Specific breathing techniques have been shown to have a wide range of mental health benefits according to researchers at Harvard, Yale, Stanford and other prestigious institutes. Regular practice of these techniques can help to reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood, and increase feelings of relaxation and calm. They can also help improve overall breathing function, increase energy levels and concentration. Intentional breathing promotes a sense of overall well-being and balance in the body and mind. Breathing techniques have been shown to aid in the management of mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD. At minimum, breathing techniques can help manage symptoms of stress and promote relaxation and mindfulness. Regular practice of these techniques can have significant positive effects on overall mental well-being. Please note if you are pregnant or have cardiovascular, pulmonary, or other serious illnesses, these breathing techniques may not be suitable for you. Please consult your doctor before engaging if you have any of these listed conditions. I am receiving ongoing training from Loka Yoga School's Certified Breathwork Practitioner Training Course as of January 2023. Read below to learn more about the benefits and risks of pranayama.
Stress Reduction
Deep breathing helps to stimulate the vagus nerve, causing a parasympathetic (rest & digest) nervous system response. This creates feelings of relaxation.
Emotional Regulation
Intentionally manipulation of the breath causes one to slow down and pause during an emotional event. Simply breathing during an emotionally difficult moment can help you recenter and move through the emotion with equanimity.
Mental Clarity & Mindfulness
The breath is the one of the only biological processes that is both automatic and manual. Mindfully using breathing techniques helps you tap into the gateway between conscious and unconscious processes. On a biological level, breathing techniques may increase oxygen flow to the brain and body tissues, resulting in overall wellbeing.
Hyperventilation
Hyperventilation occurs when the rate or depth of breathing increases. Certain breathing techniques cause carbon dioxide levels in the blood to drop, which then decreases the pH of blood. A person may experience a range of symptoms such as numbness, tingling, involuntary muscle contractions, light-headedness. Breathwork elicits "nonpathological or voluntary hyperventilation" in healthy individuals.
Dizziness & Fainting
Feeling dizzy, light-headed, or even fainting is related to the decrease in carbon dioxide levels in the brain and body tissue. It may also be due to temporary reduced blood flow to the brain, resulting in dizziness.
Contraindications
Breathwork is not for everyone. It is very important to consult your medical doctor before performing breathwork, especially if you have pulmonary or cardiovascular concerns. Click here to read an in-depth list of contraindications for breathwork. If you relate to any of the conditions, this treatment is not suitable for you.