Harnessing Your Breath: The Science and Benefits of Active Breathwork

Active Breathwork is a form of active meditation that uses a repetitive breath pattern to drop into an altered state. Through controlled hyperventilation, changes occur in CO2 levels and blood pH, reducing activity in brain regions linked to ego and self-awareness. This practice is particularly effective in healing trauma, balancing the nervous system, and facilitating emotional regulation. It is a powerful tool for achieving deeper self-understanding and tapping into your body’s innate wisdom.

Benefits of Active Breathwork

• Nervous system regulation

• Improved lung elasticity and capacity

• Relief from depression and anxiety

• Improved exercise endurance

• Release of past trauma

• Improved sleep quality and energy levels

• Relief from allergies and asthma

• Improved immune response

& more

The Science Behind Active Breathwork

Active Breathwork involves rapid, deep mouth-breathing to consciously hyperventilate the body, significantly impacting the nervous system and brain activity. This process lowers carbon dioxide (CO2) levels in the blood, shifts blood pH, and calms areas of the brain linked to ego and self-awareness. This shift allows you to enter a deeply meditative, altered state of consciousness, often leading to powerful emotional releases and mental clarity. The emphasis on mouth-breathing is crucial as it quickly activates the sympathetic nervous system, triggering the fight-or-flight response. Although it might seem counterintuitive, this temporary activation can be highly beneficial when done in a controlled setting.

Balancing the Nervous System

After practicing this breath pattern for 20-30 minutes, the session transitions into reintegration—a crucial phase where the body shifts back into a parasympathetic state. This period is arguably the most vital part of the practice, as it teaches the body and mind how to manage stress and then seamlessly return back to a rest-and-digest state. Given how many of us chronically operate in an unregulated, sympathetic state, mastering this ability to toggle between stress and relaxation is essential for overall health and well-being.

With consistent practice, Active Breathwork helps forge new neural pathways, enhancing emotional regulation, awareness, and physical health. Ready to practice Active Breathwork for yourself? Sign up for this month’s Full Moon Breathwork Experience or book a private session.