Everything begins and ends with our breath

What are the benefits of Conscious Breathwork?

The benefits of cold exposure have long been lauded and like with conscious breathwork, have recently been reinforced with scientific investigation.

The benefits of conscious breathwork have been known for thousands of years, yet it is only really in the past couple of decades that medical science has reinforced what was already understood. These scientific proofs have been critical to breathwork’s growth in respectability and popularity.

At a basic level, respiration is essential for survival, we require the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide to break-down glucose in our cells and give us the energy to live. Without his we would soon slow, stop and the pass-away. 

However, despite millennia of yogis and decades of scientific literature, many of us still aren’t getting the full potential from the air we breathe. 

Training our respiratory systems to help us breathe better and more efficiently in turn helps train the cardio-vascular system, unlocking a healthier, happier and stronger life.

We can also control our autonomic nervous system. This is the rest and digest and fight and flight responses. We can control our body through our breathing to either stimulate or suppress each of these responses, giving us exactly what we need.

The modern world requires of us a huge number of small decisions. The stress of these choices – especially in the context of an underlying anxiety like money or relationship worries – can leave us drained; unchecked it can develop into chronic health issues. It is a contributing cause of the rising levels of anxiety, panic attacks, chronic stress and depression.

With correct training can use these tools to maximise our lives and live a balanced and supercharged existence.

What are the benefits of Cold Exposure?

As anyone who has taken a cold shower or jumped into a cold sea or river will know – it really snaps you right to the moment of NOW! This is a primal trigger to the body which, suddenly placed in a ‘dangerous’ environment, triggers a set of very beneficial responses: increased focus, mental clarity, energy, as well as a nice adrenalin kick. It lifts our mood for many hours afterwards.

In our workshops we delve deeper into the physiological and psychological aspects of cold exposure and explore the wider benefits in more detail. They also include the biggest challenge of all – a full ice-bath. You will re-define what you thought was possible and snap yourself into a wonderfully energised sense of well-being.

It takes a lot to start a regular cold-water routine, here’s some handy tips and advice on how to continue you own self-practice:

• Go slow - start with just turning your shower to cold for 15 seconds at the end

• Gradual - then each week extend the time a bit more

• The only person you're competing with is you, yesterday.

• Let go - breathe slowly, deeply and with a grin on your face

• Practice - bring it into your daily routine, not just once a week

CAUTION:

• Ice bathing or submersion demands respect – extreme cold exposure should only be done in a safe and observed location and only after you are fully able to handle normal cold water exposure. It is recommended to be guided by a trained professional for your first time.