Have you ever wondered about that magical link between your mind and body? It’s not just some spiritual mumbo-jumbo. It’s a powerful connection that can revolutionize the way we approach healing and coaching. As coaches, healers, and facilitators, it’s time we dive deep into this understanding and harness the power of breathwork to tap into this mind-body connection. Without it, our clients can get stuck in their heads spinning the “story” of their lives, instead of actually being able to break through blocks, heal emotional trauma, and reach their goals.
So are you ready to supercharge your client transformations by integrating the BODY into your mindset work or talk therapy? In this blog, we’ll touch on the science behind the mind-body connection, why breathwork is the bridge between the head and body, and how you can begin to integrate this powerful modality into your practice. Ready. Set. Let’s go!
The Science Behind the Mind-Body Connection
The mind-body connection isn’t just some mystical concept; it’s a reality backed by extensive scientific research. According to the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, a new study reveals that “a connection between the body and mind is built into the structure of the brain”. The study suggests that parts of the brain area that controls movement are connected to areas involved in planning and thinking, and in control of involuntary bodily functions like blood pressure and heart rate.
Neuroscientist Candace Pert has also spoken about the mind and body being two parts of a whole — an integrated system that affects our overall health. When you think about it, this makes total sense. Our physical bodies and emotions are constantly exchanging information with each other; we just need to learn how to understand these signals better if we want to see changes in our lives.
Breathwork: A Bridge Between Mind and Body
So, where does breathwork fit in all this? Well, it’s like the golden bridge linking our minds and bodies. By consciously controlling our breath, we can influence our mental state, manage stress, and even alleviate physical discomfort.
Breathwork does this by turning down the noise of our “thinking brain” or cortex and stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system — the part of our nervous system responsible for calming us down and restoring balance in our body. It also helps to increase oxygen levels in the body, which can have a positive effect on physical and mental health.
One study published in Frontiers in Psychology showed that breathwork could also reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety 1. Imagine giving your clients the ability to control their mental and physical well-being with something as simple as their breath!
Once clients are feeling calm and regulated, and their thoughts have quieted down, they often have access to deeper insight into their lives and what needs to shift. Breathwork can be a powerful tool for personal transformation and self-discovery, as it allows us to tap into our inner wisdom and gain valuable clarity.
By integrating breathwork into your mindset work or talk-based therapy, you can give your clients the holistic tools to take control of their mind-body connection and create a better life. With practice, they’ll become more mindful of how their physical sensations and emotions are connected, so that they can stay in tune with both their minds and bodies for maximum health.
Practical Tips for Integrating Breathwork Into Your Coaching or Therapy Practice
Adding breathwork to your healing sessions doesn’t have to be difficult. Here are some tips for making it a smooth and effective addition:
- Start slow: Don’t expect to have your clients to do an hour of intense breathwork in their first session. Instead, start by introducing the concept of conscious breathing and let them practice at their own pace.
- Explain the benefits: Educate your clients on why breathwork can be beneficial for them, as this will give them the motivation they need to stick with it.
- Make it easy: Simplify the instructions and create a relaxed atmosphere. Encourage your clients to close their eyes if it feels good, focus on their breath, and go at a pace that feels comfortable for them.
- Allow time for integration: After a breathing exercise, give your clients space to journal or reflect on what they experienced.
- Follow up: Check in with them about their progress and remind them to practice at home between sessions.
Breathwork is an important tool that you can use to help your clients nurture their mind-body connection and find greater mental clarity and emotional balance. With patience and practice, the benefits of mindful breathing will become more apparent to them.
Next Steps
If you’re looking for some guidance on what type of breathwork techniques you can start using right away, we suggest that you check out our Guided Breathwork Cheatsheet >>. In it, you’ll find three simple and effective breathing exercises that can be tailored to your clients’ needs.
Aside from following our instructions in the cheatsheet, we also suggest that you watch the videos that go along with it to gain a better understanding of how it works and how it can benefit your client’s mental and physical health. The more informed you are about the practice, the better you can explain it to your clients and help them get the most out of each session!
Download the Guided Breathwork Cheatsheet Here >>
Exploring the mind-body connection through breathwork can truly elevate your practice. Not only will it lead to more effective healing, but it will also empower your clients with tools to sustain their well-being long after their session with you. So let’s breathe our way to better results, shall we? Happy healing!
Keep Shinin’,
Samantha Skelly + The Pause Breathwork Team
Footnotes
“Breath of Life: The Respiratory Vagal Stimulation Model of Contemplative Activity” – Frontiers in Human Neuroscience
