When I first began exploring somatic healing, one of the most powerful and accessible tools I discovered was breathwork. It’s something we all do every day, yet most of us are unaware of just how much the way we breathe impacts our physical, emotional, and mental well-being. In somatic healing, breathwork isn’t just a technique—it’s a gateway to transformation.
Breathwork, when practiced with intention, has the incredible ability to calm the nervous system, release stored trauma, and bring our body into a state of balance. The beauty of it lies in its simplicity: the breath is always with us, ready to be used as a tool for healing whenever we need it.
On a neurobiological level, breathwork works by directly influencing the autonomic nervous system. Deep, conscious breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the body’s “rest and digest” functions. This shift away from the stress-induced “fight or flight” mode helps us feel more grounded and present in our bodies. When we’re anxious or stressed, our breath becomes shallow and rapid, reinforcing those feelings. By consciously slowing down and deepening the breath, we can send powerful signals to the brain that we are safe.
Incorporating breathwork into somatic therapy allows us to release tension, both physical and emotional, that we may not even realize we’re holding. It’s common for people to carry unprocessed emotions—grief, fear, anger—deep in their bodies. Breathwork helps us gently bring those emotions to the surface, where they can be acknowledged and released in a safe, controlled way.
One technique I often recommend to my clients is diaphragmatic breathing, also known as belly breathing. By breathing deeply into the belly, rather than the chest, we engage the diaphragm and allow for a fuller exchange of oxygen. This helps to slow the heart rate, lower blood pressure, and create an overall sense of calm. It’s a simple practice that can be done anywhere, whether you’re dealing with stress at work or winding down before bed.
Another form of breathwork I use is cyclic breathing, where we focus on the length of the exhale. Extending the exhale activates the parasympathetic nervous system and helps to bring the body into a deeper state of relaxation. This practice can be especially useful for those dealing with anxiety, panic attacks, or chronic stress. Even those with asthma often find symptom reduction with this practice!
Breathwork also plays a significant role in trauma healing. Often, trauma causes us to disconnect from our bodies, and unbeknownst to us, our breathing becomes shallow or restricted. By reintroducing mindful breathing, we gently reconnect to those parts of ourselves that may have been shut off for years. Over time, this helps us integrate past experiences and heal from the inside out.
The beauty of breathwork is that it’s both simple and profound. You don’t need any special equipment or a particular setting to practice it—just your breath and a little bit of mindfulness. Whether you’re looking to calm your mind, release emotional tension, or improve your overall health, breathwork is a powerful tool that can guide you toward greater balance and healing.
If you haven’t yet explored breathwork as part of your healing journey, I encourage you to start small. Take a few moments each day to consciously connect with your breath and notice how it shifts your energy, mood, and physical state. Over time, you may find that something as simple as breathing can unlock profound transformation.
