Breathwork & Science

Medical research into Conscious Connected Breathing and other such breathing therapies is still in its infancy although there are a number of ongoing studies exploring the relationship between Breathwork and heart disease, hypertension and mental/emotional states.

The type of Conscious Connected Breathing that we teach involves a form of deep, circular, connected, diaphragmatic breathing (which is very different to yogic breathing/Pranayama). There are many variations of Breathwork (such as Transformational Breath, Holotropic Breath, Rebirthing which are all based on the “connected” breath) each with their own particular technique however all of the current research reports on the common benefits of continued slow, deep, diaphragmatic breathing.

Scientific studies show that Breathwork may;

Boost the immune system

Collinge and Yarnold 2001

Improve generalised anxiety, social anxiety, music performance anxiety and depression

(Wheble et al 2017 p.105)

Prevent/reduce stress, exchange carbon dioxide for oxygen, slow the heartbeat and stabilise/lower blood pressure

(Harvard Medical School)

Improve cognitive performance and reduce negative physiological consequences of stress

(Xiao Ma et al 2017)

Improve quality of life (self care, depression, anxiety) and pulmonary function in lung cancer patients

(W Liu et al 2013)

Reduce 'tension-anxiety' and fatigue in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy

(Hayama and Inoue 2012)

Reduce chronic back pain

(Mehling WE et AL 2005)

Reduce frequency, severity and duration of migraines and vomiting episodes

(Kaushik R et AL 2005)

Lower blood pressure

(Jagomagi et Al 2003 and Mori H et al 2005)

Reduce oxidative stress and improve anthropometry and glycemic control in Type 2 diabetes

(Hedge SV et al 2012)

Reduce exercise induced oxidative stress in athletes

(Matarelli et al 2011)

Improve muscle strength and endurance in spinal cord patients

(Van Houtte et al 2008)

Improve GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease)

(Eherer et al 2012)

Allow access to divergent thinking; 'the most important ingredient of creativity'

(Colzato et al 2012)

Help with motion sickness

(Stromberg et al 2015)