Breathwork Basics & Breathing Techniques

Alea Schmuker

Alea Schmuker

Is a breathwork coach with 15 years of experience in massage, breathwork, red light therapy, and ionic cleanse foot bath. Alea graduated from Healing Mountain Massage School and from Southern Utah University with her BA in 2008. She believes that balance and wellness come from the inside out. Her goal is to help each client find true balance in mind, body, and spirit.

What is Breathwork and Why Start?

Breathwork pertains to any therapy that uses breathing exercises to promote mental, physical, and spiritual wellness. There are several different types of breathwork therapy available today. Each has its unique way of using breathing for healing. Breathwork can include components of conversation treatment, breathing exercises, music, art, and bodywork to help people become more aware of themselves. This belly breathing technique can be used on individuals, couples, or groups; a licensed professional counselor should lead it.

Consistent Breathwork Techniques for Long-Term Mental Wellness

Practicing breathwork as your daily routine comes with potential health benefits and improved mental health conditions for the long term. Take some time to experiment with the many different techniques available, such as alternate nostril breathing, diaphragmatic breathing, somatic and regulated breathing, to see which best suits your needs. Find a time that works for you: a few minutes when you get up, during your lunch hour, or right before bedtime. Customize your breathwork technique to meet your specific needs and goals, such as reducing anxiety and stress, cultivating mindfulness, or boosting overall mental health. Begin with shorter sessions and gradually expand the breath control duration as your familiarity and ease with the practice grows.