BREATHWORK CLASSES BRISBANE

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BREATHWORK AND YOGA

Breathwork is the active, conscious modification of your breathing patterns to shift physical energy, regulate your nervous system, and alter your mental or emotional state. Much modern breathwork is an intense form of deep, fast breathing inspired by the Wim Hof Method, and many contemporary practitioners may be unaware that breathwork is deeply rooted in the ancient tradition of yoga.

Better known as prānāyāma in the yogic tradition - from the ancient Sanskrit language meaning the expansion (ayama) of life force (prana) - breathwork uses specific rhythms, counts, and techniques to promote the flow of prana as energy in the body and ultimately lead to expanded states of consciousness.

More intense breathwork practices that are commonly taught outside of yoga studios today were traditionally reserved for highly experienced yogis. Some of these methods involve sustained, open-mouth breathing (hyperventilation) and prolonged breath retention techniques, the effects of which can be hard to predict. Hence yoga approaches breathwork gradually and with care.

Simple, gentle prānāyāma practices taught in many yoga classes in Brisbane can be highly effective tools to induce relaxation, reduce stress & anxiety and manage pain, as the breath has a direct link to our nervous system. Basic diaphragmatic breathing taught in yoga expands the belly and stimulates the Vagus nerve, the longest cranial nerve that travels from the brainstem down into the neck, chest and abdomen. When this nerve is stimulated, it switches us from ‘fight or flight’ mode (sympathetic nervous system) to ‘rest & digest’ mode (parasympathetic nervous system).

Basic, safe breathwork techniques such as sama vritti (equal/box breathing), visama vritti (elongating the inhale or the exhale) and nadi shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) are regularly incorporated into general classes in our beautiful boutique yoga studio in Grange on Brisbane’s northside. Combining gentle prānāyāma with mindful movement and meditative stillness in yoga creates the optimum environment for reducing stress & anxiety, boosting energy levels, and improving overall health & wellbeing.

Explore some of our offerings below for a gentle introduction to breathwork in Brisbane inner north.

YOGA FOR MENTAL HEALTH WORKSHOPS

Each quarter we offer our ‘Yoga for Mental Health - Nervous System Reset’ workshop with a focus on breathwork techniques and other practices to support nervous sytem regulation. No yoga experience needed.

mindful slow flow yoga classes

Taught from a trauma informed perspective, our weekly Mindful Slow Flow classes incorporate breathwork and meditation techniques to regulate the nervous system. Mondays 9.15am and Wednesdays 4.30pm.

vinyasa yoga

For more experienced yogis our Vinyasa yoga classes encourage ujiyi breath and may incorporate more energising breathwork techniques where appropriate, but always balanced with a deep relaxation to finish.

PRANAYAMA SLOW FLOW AT HOME

Trial or experience a simple slow flow class at home with Katie. Focus your awareness on prana as breath and energy in the body and incorporating a simple prānāyāma technique at the end of your practice.