Is Somatic Breathwork Dangerous?

Somatic breathwork is going through a modern revival. Popping up everywhere, from celebrity Instagram feeds to viral TikTok videos, everyone and their cousin seems to be talking about it. So, it is only natural to wonder, is somatic breathwork dangerous or if there’s some substance behind the hype? Let’s dive into the world of somatic breathwork and explore why it is worth all the attention.

How to Do Somatic Breathwork

Somatic breathwork is an ancient breathing practice that has been around for thousands of years. Throughout its history, its focus has been the same – on the diaphragm, the dome-like muscle below the lung. It engages this muscle fully, allowing you to breathe more deeply than usual.

During practice, you inhale through your nose, letting your abdomen expand as your diaphragm moves downward. Your chest remains relatively still throughout. Even as you exhale, your chest does not move. Instead, only your abdomen falls as the diaphragm rises back up. This movement is quite different from our usual, more shallow breathing, which primarily uses the rib cage.

Somatic Breathwork Benefits

Deep breathing techniques, such as somatic breathing, retrain our body, teaching us to live in an alert but relaxed state. First, it activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which enacts several measurable changes in the body, such as:

Increasing the level of oxygen
Reducing levels of stress hormones
Decreasing blood pressure
Improves blood circulations

These physiological changes have a direct effect on our mental state. Many report feeling a deep sense of relaxation and clarity after a session. Not only does this help alleviate anxiety and tension, but it also improves overall emotional stability.

Somatic breathing has also been shown to increase self-awareness. Due to the deep engagement with the body and breath, it allows individuals to access and process buried emotions, leading to profound personal insights.

Somatic Breathwork Dangers

While somatic breathwork can be highly beneficial, there are a few considerations worth noting. Firstly, this type of breathwork can stir up deep-seated emotions. For some, this can be quite overwhelming and even distressing.

Additionally, the intense breathing patterns may lead to physical discomfort, such as dizziness or hyperventilation. Although these symptoms are typically temporary, they can be unsettling for first-time practitioners.

Finally, somatic breathing may not be suitable for everyone. It is wise to consult with a doctor beforehand if you have a medical condition, such as:

Severe heart disease
Respiratory issues
Significant mental health concerns

Your doctor can best guide you on whether or not somatic breathwork is appropriate for you.

How to Minimize the Risks

To ensure a safe experience with somatic breathwork, use the following tips during your practice:

Start Slowly: If you’re new to somatic breathwork, start with short sessions of a few minutes and gradually increase the duration as you become more comfortable. This allows your body and mind to adjust to the practice.

Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to how you’re feeling throughout the session. If you experience any discomfort or distress, take a moment to pause and focus on your breathing. It’s important to stay attuned to your body’s signals and respond accordingly.

Work with a Breathing Guide: Certified breathwork facilitators can provide both guidance and support. They can help you steer through the physical and emotional aspects of somatic breathing as well as offer techniques to manage any potential discomfort.

Start Your Breathwork Journey Today!

Somatic breathwork is a holistic therapy that heals us on multiple levels. Not only does it relax our body, but it also helps us release mental stress, revitalizing our mind and spirit. The best part is you can practice it anytime and anywhere. All you need is your breath.

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At Elemental Rhythm, find a community that believes in healing from within. Our experienced facilitators and fellow breathwork enthusiasts are all here to guide you every step of the way. Visit our website to learn more.