Conscious Connected Breathing is a powerful tool for releasing trapped emotions from the body. Here’s how it works:

 

Physiological Experience

 

Activation of the Parasympathetic Nervous System:
Deep, rhythmic breathing can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and reducing the body's stress response. This helps counteract the effects of trauma, which often keeps the body in a heightened state of arousal.

 

Oxygenation:
Increased oxygen intake during breathwork can improve cellular function and enhance the body's natural healing processes. It can also help release stored tension and toxins from the muscles and tissues.

 

Release of Endorphins:
Breathwork can stimulate the release of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers, which can help reduce the physical sensations of trauma and promote a sense of well-being.

 

Emotional and Psychological Outcomes

 

Accessing Repressed Emotions:
Breathwork can help bypass the conscious mind and access repressed emotions and memories stored in the body. The altered state of consciousness induced by breathwork can allow these emotions to be integrated in a healthy way. 

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Common Physical Sensations

 

Tingling or Vibrations:
Many people feel tingling or vibrations in their hands, feet, face, or throughout the body. This is often due to increased oxygen levels and heightened energy flow.

 

Temperature Changes:
Some individuals report feeling warmer or cooler during breathwork. This can be related to changes in blood flow and energy movement within the body.

 

Muscle Tension or Relaxation:
Breathwork can lead to the release of muscle tension, sometimes experienced as fluttering, shivering or quivering. Conversely, some people may feel their muscles becoming more relaxed and at ease.

 

Tightness or Pressure:
Some may feel tightness or pressure in certain areas of the body, particularly in the chest or throat. This can be related to the release of emotional or physical blockages.

 

Lightness or Heaviness:
People might feel a sense of lightness, as if they are floating, or heaviness, as if they are being grounded or pulled down.

 

Muscle Movements:
Involuntary muscle movements can occur as the body releases stored energy.

 

Common Emotional Experiences

 

Emotional Release:
Participants often experience a significant release of emotions resulting in laughing or crying. 

 

Memories:
Breathwork can bring up memories, that need to be processed and integrated.

 

Sense of Peace or Calm:
Many people report feeling a deep sense of peace, calm, and relaxation during and after breathwork sessions.

 

Increased Clarity and Insight:
Participants may gain new insights or clarity about personal issues, relationships, or life situations. This can lead to a greater understanding and acceptance of oneself.

 

Connection to Spirituality:
Some individuals experience a profound sense of connection to a higher power, the universe, or a greater sense of purpose and meaning.

 

Common Sensory Experiences

 

Visual Imagery:
People might see images with their eyes closed. These visual experiences can be symbolic and provide insight into the subconscious mind.

 

Auditory Sensations:
Some might hear sounds, music, or voices, which can be part of the altered state of consciousness induced by breathwork.

 

Enhanced Awareness:
Heightened awareness of bodily sensations, emotions, and thoughts can occur, leading to a more profound understanding of one's inner landscape.

 

Integration and Aftereffects

 

Feeling Energized or Exhausted:
After a session, some people feel highly energized and invigorated, while others may feel tired and in need of rest. Both responses are normal as the body processes the experience.

 

Emotional After Effects:
Emotions that arise during breathwork might continue to be felt and processed for a while after the session. It's important to give yourself time and space to experience these feelings, and if you need additional support, I am available for a conversation or consider reaching out to a mental health professional. I have worked with therapists to help clients integrate their experiences. If you need help finding a therapist, please reach out to me via text (best) or call at 504-416-0590.

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Sense of Release and Relief:
Many participants report feeling a sense of release and relief, as if a weight has been lifted from their shoulders. This can lead to improved overall well-being and emotional balance.