Since the beginning of time, we humans have sought altered states of consciousness for healing and connection to the Otherworld. All cultures have found ways to attain non-ordinary states through meditation, ritual dance, chanting, medicine plants, and, of course, via conscious breathwork.

We generally take the breath for granted, and few people know that it is a powerful tool for personal transformation that is available to all people at all times. We can practice conscious breathing while in exalted states on spiritual retreat, or in mundane situations, like when washing the dishes.

Conscious breathwork simply involves changing how you breathe. This brings about balance and alchemy in body, mind, emotion and spirit. Different techniques have different results, be this: a faster or slower tempo; breathing through the nose as opposed to the mouth; doing so in silence or accompanied by music; breathing to clear the mind or in conjunction with intentions.

Conscious breathwork allows you to relax as well as to release any form of blockage – within the body, mind or emotions – and is thus especially effective for dealing with psycho-spiritual imbalance. Breathwork is a metaphysical approach to therapy, and, in my experience, it brings such clear realisations and visions about life that significant shifts in physical reality become possible. Via breathwork, you may experience and appreciate your personal potential in a tangible manner, and understand yourself within a broader spiritual dimension.