Somatic Breathwork
Somatic breathwork (or breath work) entails guiding a client through a particular breath pattern as a way of supporting the client to move energy, access more aliveness, and become more open and connected to their body. In my practice, this is usually done during a bodywork session while the client is lying down.
What are breath patterns?
Breath patterns refers to a variety of ways to breathe that are specific, intentional and done for a short period of time. They are distinct from our natural or normal breath that is happening all the time, and often unconsciously. Breath patterns include (though are certainly not limited to):
A gentle, rhythmic breath pattern in which we intentionally take in about 10-20% more air than we would on a normal inhale, and we minimize the pause between exhale / inhale and between inhale / exhale.
Taking in a large breath and then holding at the top of the exhale for a period of 30-40 seconds, then releasing.
Two shorts and long: quickly inhaling two short breaths followed by a long, full inhale before letting the air out and then repeating.
Producing sounds: for example, drawing in a full inhale and then letting out a sharp, loud “hey” sound or a different loud sound while engaging the muscles of the belly, face and throat.
Why do breathwork?
As we oxygenate the body, we are also inviting in more of a felt sense of aliveness. For many clients, this has the effect of connecting them quickly with a flood of sensation, which can help bring to the surface stuck emotions, images, stories, etc. In breathwork and in bodywork, we are practicing being a bigger container for more energy and more aliveness. For many people — especially those with a history of needing to contain their energy, emotions, and expressions — these practices support them in opening up and accessing whatever it was they had to historically contain or tamp down. Often times, breathwork practices have a disorganizing effect: they may feel weird, different, or uncomfortable either while we are doing them or after we complete and we are feeling the effects. This can be a good thing: with somatics, we want to disorganize the body in order to support a reorganization that more closely aligns with how the person wants to be different.
Why include sound in breathwork?
The invitation to let sound out with an exhale can have powerful effects for many clients. Those with a history of needing to be quiet, be small, or generally not take up too much space will often find these practices uncomfortable. In our historical need to contain, we often have learned to chronically (and often unconsciously) contract in our body. This could mean tightening the stomach, diaphragm, chest, throat, jaw, etc. As we practice letting out sounds that are either forceful, loud, sharp, or in some way expressive and dynamic, we become aware of where and how in our bodies we have learned to contract. Through this practice we open to allowing ourselves to make sound in new ways that support the changes we want for ourselves. Sometimes, what we learn is how we hold ourselves back, but this too can support us in understanding how we contract in our body when under pressure. Especially for clients who are struggling with anger, the ability to produce loud sound through expressive breath in a safe space can be transformative.
Guided breathwork and work with sound
While many of these practices can be explored on your own, working with these practices under the guidance of a professional who can support greater opening and offer a safe place to explore your edges can be incredibly beneficial. In addition, the practice of being seen and witnessed in these practices can add layers of meaning and depth. Indeed, sometimes the simple act of being observed by another while engaged in such vulnerable actions is precisely what gives this work such value. If you’re interested in learning more about breathwork or somatic bodywork, I encourage you to schedule a free consultation!