Take a deep breath. Breathe in, breathe out. Just breathe. Those three phrases are ones we’ve all heard before throughout our lives, and with good reason. Breathing is not just the way take in oxygen to keep living, it is also one of the most powerful tools we have for dealing with negative energy. However, there’s a big difference between the negative energy we experience throughout our day and deep-seated emotional or psychological trauma.
How does a person get traumatized?
Trauma can occur from any number of things that we experience throughout our lives. According to teachtrauma.com, the most common types of trauma are the following:
- Child Maltreatment/Neglect
- Domestic Violence
- War Related Trauma
- Medical Trauma
- Traumatic Loss
- Natural Disasters
- Sexual Assault.
There are some basic symptoms of trauma that you may be able to notice. People who have experienced trauma may appear shaken or disoriented, and may not respond to conversation in a normal way. They may also appear withdrawn or not fully present in the moment, even when speaking.
One of the most common symptoms of trauma is anxiety. Severe anxiety from trauma can manifest itself through edginess, night terrors, poor concentration, mood swings, or even disorientation. Trauma also may not be immediately noticeable. It can take days, months, or even years to fully manifest into outwardly noticeable symptoms.
Using Breathwork to Deal With Trauma
Traditional Breathwork, also known as Shamanic Breathing or Holotropic Breathwork, allows for profound and introspective experiences. Using breathing techniques, a person can regulate their state of mind to go from a fever pitch into a state of calm. Breathwork takes this to new level by helping people who have suffered trauma have profound and life-changing experiences.
When done correctly Breathwork allows us to expel more carbon dioxide from our bodies than normal, which causes the blood to become more alkaline and retain more oxygen. Contrary to some uninformed beliefs, Breathwork is NOT hyperventilating. Breathwork allows a person to introduce more oxygen into their bloodstream, not less as with hyperventilating.
After participating in Breathwork classes many people experience enhanced creativity, a massive reduction in tension, and a general sense of well-being. This can help bring the mind and body back into alignment, and make it easier to deal with past trauma. Almost all types of Breathwork are done with the intention to alter one’s state of consciousness, enabling the person to gain insight into their problems.
Should YOU use Breathwork to deal with trauma?
If you’re struggling with deep emotional trauma or addiction, Breathwork might be the answer. Many people who find healing through Breathwork have tried a range of other therapies with little to no success. Some clients have been through a range of new age modalities promising enhanced clarity and personal insight, only to find almost zero relief from what is causing them pain and frustration.
When practicing Breathwork we are able to achieve a state of deep rest and relaxation that is totally free of the stress brought on by past trauma. Breathwork can also surround your unconscious mind (reptilian brain) with a shield of safety which allows it to stop asking “am I OK??” all the time. Because most victims of trauma are in a perpetual state of anxiety and tension, Breathwork is able to provide exceptional relief and clarity.
Whether or not you decide to try Breathwork to deal with your trauma is entirely up to you. If you’ve been through the gauntlet of medications, new age modalities, and other treatments without much success or a shift in consciousness, then Breathwork could be the answer you’ve been seeking.
JonPaul is one of the most sought after Breathwork teachers in the United States and can help guide you towards a more meaningful existence through breathing.