posted 1st March 2025
From chest-breathing purist to breathwork convert, follow my journey as I discover the powerful science and raw emotion behind this transformative practice. Set in a stunning room overlooking Camden Lock, what started as a Valentine's Day compromise turned into one of the most profound experiences of my healing journey.
The Science Behind the Experience
Before I dive into my personal journey, let's talk about why breathwork has been gaining so much attention lately. Recent research shows that practices like High Ventilation Breathwork can create profound effects on our nervous system and lead to extraordinary changes in how we feel. It's not just woo-woo – it's science! Studies have found that breathwork can decrease heart rate variability and increase feelings of comfort and relaxation. It's even showing promise in helping people with PTSD.
My Journey on the Mat
The evening started with Debora, our breathwork guide, greeting me like an old friend despite it being only our second meeting (the first was on Zoom). The setup was perfect: stunning room set on Camden Lock, incredible music and all the cosy essentials – mat, pillows, blanket and an eye mask that would prove to be more valuable than I initially realized.
Once we began, my journey went something like this:
"Breathe from your sacrum," Debora instructed ("My shallow chest breathing suddenly feels very called out"). Everything was going smoothly until, still lying down, we were asked to stomp our feet and move our heads side to side. Then, completely unexpectedly, the waterworks started... We're talking shoulders shaking, full-on, ugly-cry mode and even though I did my best not to make any noise from embarrassment, it was hugely cathartic and exactly what I needed.
Debora appeared beside me like some kind of emotional support ninja, assuring me I was safe. Her presence and words were exactly what I needed in that moment, grounding me when I felt most vulnerable.
Want to Try It Yourself?
If you're curious about breathwork but not ready for a full session, here are some scientifically-backed techniques you can try at home:
Cyclic Sighing: A fancy term for taking a double breath in through your nose and a long exhale through your mouth. Just 5 minutes daily has been shown to improve mood better than traditional meditation.
Diaphragmatic Breathing: Think belly breathing. This one's got tons of research backing its ability to reduce stress and anxiety.
Box breathing, also known as tactical breathing, is a technique that involves breathing in for a count of four, holding the breath for a count of four, and exhaling for a count of four. It's commonly used by the military and police to reduce stress.
The journey from being a breathwork sceptic to experiencing its transformative power first hand has been humbling. Sometimes the things that make us most nervous end up being exactly what we need, and Debora, if you're reading this – thank you, from the very bottom of my heart.
Stefanie x
