Breathwork: A Path to Emotional Liberation and Self-Acceptance

Breathwork is a modality that is incredibly dear to my heart. It has provided me with emotional liberation and a depth of self-acceptance that I couldn’t access before. Often, we dismiss breathwork as being too simple to truly make an impact. However, what we sometimes fail to recognize is that life itself is sustained by the breath—and through it, we can access a deeper intimacy with ourselves.

I’ll admit, this doesn’t always sound appealing at first.

When I attended my first “breathwork” class, I thought I’d be learning more techniques to enhance my yoga practice. I was already familiar with methods like box breathing, diaphragmatic breathing, pranayama, and alternate nostril breathing. These techniques had already proven effective in regulating my emotions and promoting calm.

But what I found in that class went far beyond what I had expected—it was something I didn’t even know I was searching for.

At the time, I was wrestling with deep mental blocks that kept me stuck in cycles of self-abandonment and painful relationship dynamics. I had numbed myself to my own tears, unable to bear the weight of my pain. Yet, through breathwork, I found a safe space to reconnect with that pain and process it. For the first time, I could face those emotions without being consumed by them.

What is Clarity Breathwork?

The breathwork I’m referring to is often called Clarity Breathwork and is also known by other names, such as holotropic, rebirthing, or transformational breathwork. It involves lying down and using a deep, open-mouth breathing technique for 30–40 minutes. This type of breathing, often described as an “ah-ha” breath, creates shifts in the body and mind that can be profound.

During a session, the body undergoes a slight pH change, which can cause sensations like tingling or numbness in the extremities. While this can feel disorienting at first, it’s completely normal and nothing to be concerned about. Strong emotions may arise during the session, but I always remind clients that whatever surfaces is safe and ready to be processed. Whether it’s crying, laughing, screaming, or silence—everything is welcome in a breathwork session.

The Role of a Facilitator

Working with a trained breathwork facilitator can make the experience even more powerful. A facilitator provides a sense of safety and acts as a guide, offering gentle encouragement, calm presence, and sometimes grounding physical support, like a reassuring hand on the shoulder or ankle.

This safe space allows emotions and even long-buried memories to surface. Breathwork sessions often help the brain connect the dots, offering new insights and perspectives. These connections form new neural pathways, which continue to grow and develop long after the session, leading to lasting changes in thought patterns, emotional regulation, and overall quality of life.

Why Breathwork Matters to Me

That one breathwork class changed the trajectory of my life. It led me to explore group sessions and, later, one-on-one sessions with a coach, where I could dive even deeper into the emotions and insights that arose.

Breathwork transformed my life. It gave me a way to process trauma without having to relive it or be retraumatized by talking about it. This is why I am so passionate about this practice.

If you’re curious about exploring breathwork for yourself, I encourage you to give it a try. It’s a powerful tool for healing, self-connection, clarity, and emotional freedom.