What is “breathwork”

You can think of it as simply aiming to influence our nervous system through our breath. This can be in the form of energizing, balancing, or relaxing ourselves. At Evoke Breathwork, we base our techniques off of the ancient practices of “pranayama”. Prana means “life force” and yama means “control”, meaning when we practice, we are aiming to “control our life force”. Pretty cool, huh?

How is it different from meditation and yoga?

Think of breathwork as being right in between meditation and asana (“postures”) yoga. Asana yoga involves the different poses you would think of in your standard yoga class, whereas meditation is more focused on the mind, sometimes with a mantra. Breathwork is physical in a sense of there are techniques and physical exercises, but mental in a sense of you’re not moving your entire body. Pranayama is traditionally practiced after asana, before meditation.

What are the benefits?

When we practice breathwork, we are working to influence our nervous system. The nervous system controls all types of functions - including breathing, heart rate, pupillary response, and digestion. If you can influence your nervous system, it can lead to having increased regulation over these bodily functions, as well as your energy levels, concentration, and emotions. It’s important to note that we are not healthcare providers and that breathwork should always be practiced in conjunction and collaboration with a professional healthcare provider.

Will breathwork cure my (xyz)?

It’s hard to say - but the truth is, in many cases, probably not (at least, not on its own). Might sound like kind of a funny answer, but when dealing with health and wellness, I always encourage my clients to seek wellness in a variety of facets in their life. Exercise, diet, healthy relationships, are just a few areas that are part of the overall picture. With that said, though, breathwork can be an EXTREMELY powerful tool for your toolkit, and there are many cases of it having some pretty amazing impacts on people’s lives. It’s a tool that is natural, accessible, and safe. I’m always careful to promises cures, but I am very confident that if done consistently, breathwork can and will help impact your health and wellness in a positive way.

Do I need a spiritual, religious or yoga practice to participate in breathwork?

Nope! At Evoke Breathwork, we welcome all who are interested in improving their health and wellness, regardless of their spirituality or religious practices. Classes are curated to meet the individual or group where they are at, so you never have to worry about any pre-requisites.