Hypnotherapy & Breathwork Melbourne

Melbourne Breathwork is a crucial part for many holistic and wellness practices. From Reiki, meditation, yoga, medical intuition and yes, hypnotherapy as well. Believe it or not, hypnotherapy is not just about being hypnotised and being put under a hypnotic trance. It’s also about being in a grounded, calm and relaxed state of balance. All of which are essential in helping you function appropriately and be more connected to your mind and body. Facilitating this deep connection between your mind and body, can alter your state of consciousness and open yourself up to your greatest potential. As Yogic traditions believe, your breathe carries your life-force. Who would have thought a process we do every single day, could be so powerful?

What is Breathwork?

Breathwork is derived from Eastern holistic practices like yoga, Tai Chi, and Western psychotherapy modalities. It is the intentional and conscious use of breath, to regulate your breathing patterns and bring homeostatic balance to your body. The types of breathing techniques range from deep belly breathing, diaphragmatic breathing and nostril breathing. Similar to meditation practices, these types of controlled breathing exercises provide an intense focus on your breathing which can lead to an altered state of awareness and grounding.

Deep breaths are important in stimulating the the ‘rest and digest’ response through your autonomic nervous system, resulting in a state of relaxation throughout the body. Through this altered state of awareness and relaxation, your breath can help you connect with your body and mind and beneficially influence your mental, emotional and physical state.

Breathing & Homeostasis

Pranayama (or breathing exercises) play a big role in maintaining homeostasis. Homeostasis is a process which maintains internal balance between your cells, organs, chemical signals between your body and mind. Without homeostasis, this delicate balance would be disrupted and we would not be able to function efficiently.

How does you breathing maintain homeostasis? It is important in regulating gas exchange, that is, it helps maintain a balanced ratio of oxygen and carbon dioxide. Additionally, it also maintains blood pH levels which is crucial for cells and organs to function appropriately.

An imbalance of homeostasis could lead to stress, anxiety, depression and many other conditions. If left long enough, this could contribute to physical disease manifestation.

Breathing and the parasympathetic nervous system

When exposed to stressors, the fight/flight/freeze response is activated via the Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS). This results in shallow breathing, increased blood pressure, dilated pupils, hyperarousal and inflammation.

In order to calm and maintain balance in he nervous system. Diaphragmatic breathing stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS). Also know as the rest and digest state. Stimulating the PNS allows the nervous system to calm and reduce your heart rate, reduce shallow breathing, deliver appropriate levels of oxygen to the body and brain. Biologically speaking, this allows your brain and body to function more appropriately and creates balanced conditions that contributes to a solid foundation towards deep relaxation, healing and recuperation.

Why breathwork is important 

A common issue I am seeing and observing from individual clients is the lack of conscious breathing. Whether it is in the workplace, in your home and even at social gatherings. When people are not consciously breathing, they are more likely to be exhibiting shallow breathing. Shallow breathing is so common these days, it's likely one of the reasons why we have massive problems with our physical and mental health. Because shallow breathing induces the stress response, in combination with our busy lifestyles, it is leading to an array of medical conditions and issues: 

• Promoting a cyclical state of chronic stress and anxiety

• Reduces immunity, increases susceptibility to disease and pre-existing conditions

• Cultivates chronic fatigue and chronic pain

• Creates tension in the body, muscles and changes your posture

• Reduces cognitive function and memory

With the power of connected breathing, when you are consciously able to regulate the body by stimulating homeostasis. You are more likely to create more optimal conditions for your mind and body to function efficiently. Rather than be in a state of negative emotions, emotional trauma and mental health issues.