Breath Therapy
Breath therapy is a unique complimentary therapy, which takes its roots from eastern and western traditions. It is known as a healing art that promotes wellness of the spirit, mind and body. Breath therapy has proven itself effective against a number of psychosomatic illnesses.
The therapy is based on two main ideas. The first one is that the average person is well below their breathing potential on a daily basis. Your normal breathing mechanism can be damaged or altered by a number of life factors - including family influences or physical and emotional trauma. When this happens your breathing system must be restored to its greatest potential, the way nature intended it to be.
The second idea is that when a person learns how to achieve their full breathing potential, all the other parts of the body begin to function better as well. The proper breathing technique can have relaxing powers, and can also help to heal the body, mind and soul. “Conscious breathing” can become a tool for the self healing process. Breath therapy teaches you how breathing can become a therapeutic tool for healing, growth and change, as well as creating a healthier you.
Breath Therapy involves learning proper breathing techniques and creating breath awareness. This therapy can be used for a variety of purposes - such as for achieving maximum athletic performance, substance abuse prevention, and spiritual awakening. The exercises are designed for you to discover the benefits of proper and optimal breathing. Breath therapy is usually completed with some sort of goal in mind, ranging from improved health and overall well-being, to achieving energy, peace, love or wholeness. The patient will be directed through a series of breathing exercises that will open the lungs and bring more oxygen to the blood. This will lead to the elimination of any toxins in the body. Also, as the patient is breathing deeply the therapist massages the appropriate muscles.
There are five principles behind breath therapy: the technique, the atmosphere, the teacher, the mind of the breather, and grace (the so-called “magical” part of the therapy).
Breath therapy incorporates a number of different breathing exercises and techniques, each on designed for a specific effect. Some techniques are used to check for breathing flaws, while other exercises are used to promote relaxation. Some trigger and control energy while others expand internal awareness. It all depends on the combination of techniques, which will be different according to one’s individual needs.
The atmosphere is the emotional and physical environment in which the learning takes place. Results will be much better for people who complete the techniques in a comfortable setting.
Breath therapy is more beneficial when you are learning the breathing techniques from a teacher who is experienced in the exercises and believes in the therapy. So finding a good, professional therapist is vital to the success of your breath therapy.
Finally, the therapy will have the greatest results for those who actually believe in the therapy. One’s attitudes, expectations and beliefs will influence what one takes away from the therapy, and how they enjoy the experience. If you approach breath therapy positively then the results should be positive as well.
