How to Do Breathwork: Essential Tips for Coaches, Healers, and Facilitators

Howdy fellow healers! Are you looking to add some depth to your coaching, healing, or facilitating work? Do you want to take your clients on a journey to their inner realms? Well then, it’s time to take a deep breath and learn how to do breathwork.

In this blog post, I’ll guide you through the essential skills you need to do breathwork, whether you’re a seasoned pro or a curious newbie. So, let’s break out some essential oils, dim the lights, and get ready to breathe our way to inner bliss.

What is Breathwork?

First things first, before we learn how to do breathwork, let’s chat about what breathwork actually is. Breathwork is a practice of intentionally manipulating your breathing patterns to create shifts in your mental, emotional, and physical states.

There are many different types of breathwork, such as Pause Breathwork, Pranayama, Holotropic Breathwork, Rebirthing Breathwork, and Shamanic Breathwork (to name a few.) 

Each type of breathwork has its own unique techniques and intentions. However, they all share the common goal of helping breathers connect with their inner wisdom, release emotional trauma, and access altered states of consciousness.

How to Do Breathwork

To do breathwork, you need to be aware of conscious breathing techniques, intention setting, and safety precautions.

Let’s start with breathing techniques. 

Before you begin any breathwork practice, it’s important to establish a steady and comfortable breathing rhythm. For example, breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth, letting the exhale be slightly longer than the inhale. This will help you relax and release any tension in your body. You can also use some breath manipulation techniques, such as deep belly breaths, breath holds, and sounding on the exhale, to further cultivate your breath awareness.

Next, setting your intention is key. 

What do you want to get out of your breathwork practice? Perhaps you want to release some old emotions that have been weighing you down. Or maybe you want to tap into your creativity and inspiration. Whatever your intention may be, make sure it is clear, specific, and positive. Write it down or say it out loud before you begin your breathwork session. This will help you stay focused and motivated throughout the practice.

Last but not least, safety precautions. 

Breathwork can be a powerful tool for transformation, but it can also trigger physical and emotional sensations. Therefore, it’s important to create a safe and comfortable environment for yourself and your clients. Make sure you are not driving or operating heavy machinery while doing breathwork. Choose a quiet and private space where you can feel relaxed and undisturbed. Have a support system in place, whether it’s a trusted friend, a therapist, or a breathwork facilitator, in case you feel overwhelmed during the practice or have questions.

If you’re just learning how to do breathwork, I recommend finding a certified breathwork facilitator or attending a breathwork workshop to learn more about the practice and get some guidance.

How to do Breathwork With Clients

When it comes to incorporating breathwork into your sessions with clients, it’s important to start slow and build their confidence. You can start by having them focus on their breath for just a minute or two at the beginning of a session. Gradually, increase the time to ten minutes or more.

You can also guide them through a specific breathwork technique that best fits their needs or goals for the session. Remember to encourage them to take deep breaths into their belly and remind them to soften their body as they exhale.

How to Do a Daily Breathwork Practice

If you’re interested in trying breathwork for yourself, here is a simple practice you can start incorporating into your daily routine:

• Find a comfortable seated position, with your spine straight and your feet on the ground.
• Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths to relax your body.
• Begin to breathe in and out through your mouth, as deeply and rapidly as you can, without pausing between inhales and exhales.
• Keep this pattern for 3-5 minutes, or until you feel a shift in your energy or sensation.
• After the rapid breaths, exhale completely and hold your breath for as long as you comfortably can.
• When you feel the urge to breathe, take a deep inhale and hold it for a few seconds, then exhale slowly.
• Take a few more deep breaths to integrate the practice, and notice how you feel.

Congratulations, you’ve just done a basic breathwork practice! Remember to take it slow, be gentle with yourself, and trust the process.

Bonus Tips for Doing Breathwork in Sessions

Tip #1: Creating a Safe and Comfortable Environment

Creating a safe and comfortable environment for your clients is crucial when teaching your clients how to do breathwork. Make sure the space is quiet, free of distractions, and has comfortable seating or a soft surface for clients to lay down on. 

You can also incorporate soothing scents (if you’re in person) or music to help create a calming atmosphere. Don’t forget to ask your clients for any specific needs or requests to ensure they feel comfortable and supported during the session.

Tip #2: Continuing Your Education

Breathwork is a vast and constantly evolving practice, so it’s important to continue your education to deepen your understanding and skills. You can attend workshops or trainings, read books on the topic, or even work with a breathwork coach or mentor. Continuous learning will not only benefit you but also your clients as you bring new techniques and insights to your sessions.

If you’re curious to learn more about our 6-month Pause Breathwork Facilitator Training, click here.

Tip #3: Practicing What You Preach

Last but certainly not least, it’s important to practice what you preach and incorporate breathwork into your own life. Not only will it benefit your own mental, emotional, and physical health, but it will also reinforce the importance and effectiveness of the practice to your clients. 

So, make time for yourself to incorporate breathwork into your own daily routine, and watch as it positively impacts both you and your clients. We’ve made it easy for you with the Pause Breathwork App.

To Wrap it Up…

So there you have it, my fellow breathers. Whether you’re a coach, healer, or facilitator, adding breathwork to your toolkit can deepen your work and help your clients access their inner wisdom and healing.

Remember to master different breathing techniques, set clear intentions, and create a safe container for your practice. 

And most importantly, have fun with it! Breathwork doesn’t have to be all serious and somber, it can also be playful, creative, and joyful. So take a deep breath, let it out with a giggle, and enjoy the ride. Happy breathing!

With love,

Samantha Skelly + The Pause Breathwork Team