Shamanic Breathwork is a powerful and transformative healing modality that blends ancient shamanic wisdom with modern breathwork techniques. Rooted in the understanding that our breath is a profound tool for healing and transformation, it guides participants into non-ordinary states of consciousness to access inner wisdom, release emotional blockages, and promote holistic well-being.

What is Shamanic Breathwork?

At its core, Shamanic Breathwork uses a specific, continuous, and rhythmic breathing pattern – often deeper and faster than normal respiration – combined with evocative music to facilitate an altered state of consciousness. This state, sometimes referred to as a “shamanic journey,” allows individuals to bypass the analytical mind and connect with deeper layers of their psyche. It’s not about controlling the experience, but rather surrendering to the breath and allowing whatever needs to arise to do so within a safe and supportive container.

How Does It Work?

During a typical session, participants lie down comfortably and are guided through the breathwork by a trained facilitator. The accompanying musical journey is carefully curated to support the process, moving through different phases and intensities. This combination of focused breath and music can lead to a variety of experiences, including:

• Emotional Release: Processing and releasing stored trauma, grief, anger, fear, or other challenging emotions.
• Physical Sensations: Tingling, vibrations, tetany (temporary muscle contractions), or the release of physical tension.
• Visions and Insights: Experiencing vivid imagery, symbols, or receiving clear intuitive guidance and answers to personal questions.
• Spiritual Connection: Deepening one’s connection to self, nature, spirit guides, or a sense of universal consciousness.
• Catharsis: A profound emotional cleansing or purification.

The facilitator’s role is crucial, providing a secure and non-judgmental space, offering gentle guidance, and sometimes incorporating sound healing, bodywork, or verbal processing to help integrate the experience.

Potential Benefits

Participants often report a wide range of benefits from Shamanic Breathwork, including:

• Deep Emotional Healing: Releasing old patterns and unresolved issues.
• Stress Reduction and Relaxation: Calming the nervous system and reducing anxiety.
• Increased Self-Awareness: Gaining clarity, intuition, and a deeper understanding of one’s purpose.
• Spiritual Growth: Expanding consciousness and fostering a stronger connection to the divine or inner wisdom.
• Physical Well-being: Some report relief from chronic pain or energetic blockages, as well as improved sleep and energy levels.

As a Native American proverb wisely states,

“Breath is the power behind all things.”

This ancient wisdom lies at the heart of Shamanic Breathwork, recognizing the breath not just as a physiological function, but as a direct conduit to our deepest reserves of power and healing.

How to do shamanic breathing in 9 simple steps

Breathwork serves as a bridge between the realms of the mind and body, forging a deeper connection that transcends mere physical awareness. Here is how to practice shamanic breathing in 9 easy steps:

1.  Find a quiet, calm space where you won’t be disturbed.
2.  Lie down on the floor with no pillows. Make yourself flat. Your spine must be straight.
3.  Close your eyes and settle.
4.  Focus all your attention on your breath, clearing your mind completely.
5.  Breathe in deeply through the nose. You should feel the breath enter the nose, your belly and all the way up to your chest.
6.  As you reach the end of your inhale, exhale through the mouth as if blowing out a candle.
7.  Immediately return to the inhale as soon as all the breath has been exhaled.
8.  Remember, this is a circular breathing technique – there shouldn’t be any pauses.
9.  Repeat this rhythmic breathing pattern, allowing each breath to flow seamlessly into the next. 

Conclusion

Shamanic Breathwork is often recommended for individuals seeking profound emotional release, spiritual awakening, or a deeper understanding of themselves. It can be particularly beneficial for those feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or searching for meaning and purpose in their lives.

In essence, Shamanic Breathwork offers a unique and potent pathway to holistic healing by harnessing the innate power of the breath. It’s a journey back to self, guided by ancient wisdom and your own inner healer, promising profound release, insight, and transformative growth.