Welcome to breathwork

In this breathwork journey, we will be using music, guided meditation, heart coherence, nasal breathing in a rhythm, and breath holds. We will review the contraindications and technique at the beginning of the session, and there will be guidance throughout the session. Understanding the information here will help you prepare.

Technique

The entire journey will be guided. Learning the technique beforehand will help you follow along during the session, even if you enter an altered state of consciousness (e.g., falling asleep, trance/ lucid dreaming state, or mystical experience).

This breathwork can be done seated or lying down. The journey will begin with music and guided meditation to relax your body. While the body is relaxed, the breathwork will be active.

Following my guidance, we will begin breathing in rounds. Each round includes three parts: rhythmic, nasal breathing for several minutes; extended breath hold on an exhale, and then an extended breath hold on an inhale.

We will breathe in through the nose and out through our mouth, without pausing between inhale or exhale. After the final round, I'll invite you to stay and enjoy whatever experience is unfolding for you.

Please watch this video for a full description of the technique so you know how to do the breathwork before the session.

Whether you are working with me 1:1, in a group, online, or in person, the technique is the same. The theme, music, rhythms, and number of rounds will be unique to each session.

Preparation

The following guidelines will help you prepare for the session:

  • Feel free to hydrate, but do not eat for up at least 2 hours beforehand

  • Choose a space where you can be free from distractions; turn off electronics and mute yourself (if applicable)

  • Wear comfortable clothes, bring an eye mask (optional), and anything that will help you to be comfortable (e.g., a pillow, blankets, props, or meditation cushion)

  • I invite you to set an intention and bring a journal in case you want to record anything before or after

  • You can begin to check in with your breath and practice breathing in a coherent rhythm: video

Contraindications

The music, guided meditation, heart coherence, nasal breathing, and rhythmic breathing is safe for everyone and beneficial for health, presence, and wellbeing.

As part of the breathwork technique, extended breath holds are used to create intermittent hypoxia. People with the conditions listed below are advised to NOT participate in the breath hold portion of the breathwork. If you are not sure, speak with your doctor or medical professional.

  • Severe/ critical diseases or infections, including fever or flu

  • COPD-II and COPD-III

  • Organ failure or late state terminal illness

  • Pregnancy

  • If you have epilepsy, tinnitus, a pacemaker, or irregular heart beat (Exception: specific permission from your doctor)

It is not recommended to do this breathwork on a full stomach. Do not do it while driving or operating machinery. Do not do it while in water.

You assume full responsibility for your participation. Click here to read through the entire consent/liability form.

If you have a contraindication, you can still participate in the rest of the breathwork and experience benefits. Continue to breathe in a rhythm or hum while others do the breath hold.

Thank you!

Thank you for participating in this breathwork journey. Please feel free to reach out with questions. I also love to receive testimonials and/or hear about your experience. If you enjoy the breathwork journey, please join me again and share upcoming opportunities with others. I truly appreciate your engagement and referrals.

Contact info: connect@erinmcelroy.com & www.erinmcelroy.com (subscribe to my newsletter for the schedule of offerings)