The Breath is the key to consciousness ~ and also to good health

A relaxed body system is the biggest key to good health and well-being.  Ill health, stress and numerous other factors mean that our breath tends to control us and our emotions. For example, if we are anxious our breath tends to be shallow and rapid, and it does this with no input from us – it is involuntary and largely outside of our control. But a conscious awareness of the breath allows us to learn how to control the breath, and this in turn allows us to quiet the mind, and so we can more easily control the breath ……and so it goes on ….

The general aim of Breath Therapy sessions is to help people relax and still the mind, using conscious awareness of the breath as a tool.  Specific aims of the sessions would be derived from individual needs, or individual health conditions, which need to be addressed and these could include, but not be confined to, for example stress, anxiety, wheeziness, chronic fatigue.

Broadly the sessions include guided relaxation; breath observation and breath awareness exercises; gentle stretches and body awareness exercises; breath control techniques and possibly an element of meditation.

The breath is directly linked to the nervous system.  Rapid, shallow breathing creates a cycle of rapid, shallow breathing as the body system is constantly dealing with a situation of potential oxygen starvation as the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide is out of balance.  

By learning to be able to break the cycle and take a deep, belly breath, the parasympathetic nervous system is brought into effect, and the heart immediately slows, the bronchials dilate, and all the body systems relax – allowing more oxygenated blood to flow into the body.

 Scientific research shows us that when optimum levels of oxygen are delivered to the cells and tissues, it creates an environment where harmful viruses and micro-organisms or toxins are unable to thrive, whilst healthy cells can become rejuvenated and revitalized, promoting vibrant health.

In cases of ill-health, improved breathing techniques can help alleviate symptoms as well as unlock reserves of energy in the body and clear blockages, where they exist, in the etheric energy channels and chakras.  The chakras are energy centres closely associated with the major gland centres of the endocrine system, the main system associated with hormone balance, the immune system and well-being.  If the chakras can be healthy and working efficiently, the impact on our health can be enormous.

Conversely, overly deep or slow breathing can also create an oxygen/carbon dioxide imbalance, and different techniques again would be used to bring this into balance.

Where specific respiratory conditions exist, breath therapy sessions can include techniques for helping to relax the bronchial system (to increase oxygen intake); lengthen the breath (to positively have an effect on the nervous system); or lengthen the breath retention (to increase tolerance of carbon dioxide in the body).

Learning to breathe consciously is learning to breathe in a balanced way, being in control of the breath and knowing which techniques to use when problems occur.

1 hour therapy sessions available in Southbourne for individuals. Sessions for individuals or small groups can also be arranged in your own home or at your place of work.

Prior to the first session, there would be a person to person or telephone consultation to assess what the client is hoping to achieve, and to explain what the sessions could offer.

Julie is a qualified Yoga Instructor (BWY) and Reiki II practitioner who has been interested in bodywork and health since her teens, studying at the Laban Centre for Movement and Dance, and then going on to qualify as a Fitness Instructor in 1990. It was via the breath, and the fact of having respiratory disease in the family, that she was first introduced to Yoga in 1999 having discovered the health benefits of Yoga breathing for people with asthma and other breathing disorders. She soon became a convert and this led her on a transformational journey through the wisdom of the ancient Yogic teachings which included qualifying with the BWY in 2005 as a Yoga Instructor. Her aim is to share the benefits of deep and conscious breathing for improved health and well-being, as well as stillness of mind. Julie teaches Yoga and breathwork privately in Southbourne, and contributes bodywork to her husband’s energy-based spiritual development workshops and groups. Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it