Breath Work

as old wounds and dysfunctional patterns are released and transformed,

remember the magic of who they truly are.

The SBW ceremony begins by establishing safe and sacred space through various rituals and ceremonies such as smudging with sage, cedar, and sweet grass while offering prayerful invocations. Individuals lie down and focus on surrendering to their Shaman Within, calling upon that which is most sacred and holy to them, such as spirit guides, power animals, and higher powers. As the drumming begins, journeyers are invited to connect with rhythmic breathing and a chakra-attuned musical journey varying in length typically from one to two hours. As the individual uses the power of deep connected breathing to create a natural altered dreamlike state, the Ego defenses are released and the journey unfolds in a variety of magical ways.

Each person’s Shamanic Breathwork journey is a highly individualized process and no two are ever the same. Some of the states of consciousness reported range from divine, otherworldly bliss states to the struggle to be released from negative forces in the psyche. Rebirthing is a common occurrence, as is the life review where one relives or observes their lifetime experiences. Old patterns of dysfunction may be brought to the surface. Addictions are sometimes transformed during this process, as feelings such as grief, fear, rage and anxiety are released.

sacred power behind breathing. Techniques used during this training lead to control of the breath, which leads to a deeper appreciation for the life given to you.

Breathing becomes not only a physical process but a mental and spiritual one as well. It opens up pathways to rejuvenate cells and organs. It places your mind in the present moment. And it connects you to a oneness of the universe.

Pranayama is a Sanskrit word to describe yoga breathing exercises that have the ability to quickly increase our energy, release stress, improve our mental clarity, and improve our physical health. More recently the term ‘breathwork’ is

What is prana?

The ancient Indian system of yoga identifies prana as the universal life force or energy which distinguishes the living from the dead. This life force energy or chi as is called flows through thousands of subtle energy channels they called ‘nadi’ and energy centers called ‘chakra.’

Prana is the vital energy needed by our physical and subtle layers, without which our body would perish. It is what keeps us alive.

Prana has many levels of meaning, from the physical breath to the energy of consciousness to kundalini shakti to the original creative power. Yogis say that the entire universe is a manifestation of prana. 

he ancient scriptures of yoga define and mention many different pranayama techniques.

Patanjali Yoga Sutra 2.49 defines pranayama as:

तस्मिन् सति श्वासप्रश्वासयोर्गतिविच्छेदः प्राणायामः॥४९॥

"Tasminsati shwasaprashwasayorgativicchedaha pranayamaha'' (II. Sutra 49)

tasmin = in that state of asana or posture; sati = being; shwasa = inspiratory breath; prashwasa = expiratory breath; gati = movement; vicchedaha = breaking; pranayamaha = regulating the breath.

"In that state of being in asana or posture, breaking the (usual) movement of inhalation or exhalation is regulation of breath."

Read more about this sutra here.

Simply put, ‘prana’ refers to the universal life force and ‘ayama’ means to regulate or lengthen.

These ancient yogic seers observed the power of the breath to increase one’s prana and developed special breathing techniques to increase life energy, maintain health and create a calm, clear state of mind that is conducive for meditation.

Pranayama is not just breath control as commonly perceived but it is the control of prana through the breath. These techniques involve breathing through the nostrils in a specific pattern of inhalation, breath retention, exhalation. Some common yoga breathing exercises include Ujjayi breathing, Bhastrika pranayama, Bhramari pranayama, and Nadi Shodhan pranayama (alternate nostril breathing), and you can find links to learn these below.

Practiced correctly, under the right supervision, pranayama brings harmony between the body, mind and spirit, making one physically, mentally and spiritually strong.