What exactly is conscious connected breathwork, and how does it factor into recovery? There are a lot of studies regarding the benefits of breathwork and slow breathing on our physical and mental well-being. According to research from Frontiers in Neuroscience, slow breathing techniques and breathwork, in general, are related to “[E]motional control and psychological well-being.”
Individuals can learn different breathing techniques through several practices. In addition to asking yourself what conscious connected breathwork is, you may also be asking yourself why you should consider breathwork as it relates to your recovery.
How Breathwork Helps in General
The most significant way breathwork helps individuals is by reducing stress. Stress causes breathing patterns to change. When anxious or overly stressed, our breathing becomes shallow and, according to Better Health, “[D]isrupts the balance of gases in the body.” Learning to control that breathing first and foremost reduces stress levels. However, the benefits of breathwork do not stop there.
Slow and controlled breathing or breathwork causes “physiological changes” in addition to mental changes. Those physiological changes include:
- Lowered blood pressure and heart rate
- Reduced levels of stress hormones in the blood
- A reduced lactic acid build-up in muscle tissue
- Balanced levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood
- Improved immune system
- Increased physical energy
- Increased feelings of calm and well-being
With all this in mind, what exactly is conscious connected breathwork?
What Is Conscious Connected Breathwork?
Conscious connected breathwork, specifically, is described by the International Breathwork Foundation (IBF) as “[A] breathing technique in which the breather intentionally connects the inhale with the exhale without any pauses.” The study, while experimental, focuses on using conscious connected breathing and “[B]ody-mind techniques to support the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual levels of being.”
The IBF tells us that there are many conscious connected breathing techniques with all kinds of “[U]nique features and spiritual frameworks.” However, there are generally four main components to conscious connected breathing. These components include:
- Conscious connected breathing: Not pausing between your inhale and exhale
- Diaphragmatic breathing: Actively inhaling into the belly with a relaxed chest expansion
- Relaxed inhale: Breathing out as a passive movement where you can let go
- Breathing channel: Breathing in and out through the same channel
Conscious Connected Breathwork in Recovery
At The Guest House, we believe conscious connected breathwork is a safe and powerful technique that facilitates the release of old thought patterns and creates a shift in consciousness. This shift is a natural process of cleansing and relaxation, dissolving physical, emotional, and mental tensions, and improving balance and wellness.
During sessions with a trained therapist, you will set an intention and use a circular and conscious connected breathing technique to create an integrative experience for the body, mind, and spirit. Research indicates the benefits of conscious connected breathwork in treating many psychological struggles. With therapeutic modalities and an individualized recovery plan, conscious connected breathwork can help you embark on your path to recovery.
Breathing is an involuntary process. However, practicing breathwork can reduce stress and improve your mental and physical well-being. For that reason, treatment facilities often incorporate breathwork into their treatment programs. At The Guest House, we implement conscious connected breathwork into treatment. This breathing exercise focuses on intentionally connecting your inhale with your exhale without any pauses. It unites the conscious and unconscious mind, accessing and connecting the body, mind, and spirit to heal negative behaviors. This technique can help you create and maintain a life of recovery for yourself long-term. To learn more, call (855) 483-7800 today.