Do you remember your first breakthrough breath session? What sights, sounds, smells, and feelings were the most powerful? If you’ve done the Breathless instructor training, you understand how much planning goes into a breakthrough session. From intention to music to physical touch to breath pattern, breathwork instructors design every element to make your journey a smooth and enlightening one.
As a breathwork instructor, you have the incredible opportunity to help your students achieve physical and mental transformation. By designing an individualized breathwork practice personalized to their goals, needs, and capacity for growth, you can lead them on an amazing journey that starts within their own body and continues as far as their imagination will take them. With some creativity and intentional planning, you’ll develop personalized practices for your students that will support sustainable shifts in both mindset and behavior. Read on to learn how…
Breathwork is a technique used to enhance physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Through conscious breath patterns and breath control, breathwork can be an immensely powerful tool for physical and mental wellbeing. Breathwork can help clients achieve a meditative state and access repressed emotions stored in the body. The benefits of breathwork can include increased clarity and focus, improved relationship dynamics, reduced stress levels, better sleep quality, improved confidence and self-esteem as well as enhanced energy levels and greater overall vitality. With breathwork you can gain insight into your inner-self, develop better intuition about life situations, release blockages to align with your purposeful goals and uncover answers that previously eluded you. You can personalize the breathwork based on your client’s specific needs at that moment.
The qualifications for running a breathwork session can vary depending on the type of breathwork, however it’s recommended that practitioners have a strong understanding of breathwork techniques, anatomy, and the potential psychological and emotional effects of the practice. Many practitioners have backgrounds in fields such as yoga, meditation, counseling, or other holistic health modalities. It’s also important to have training in working with individuals who have specific medical or psychological conditions, and to be able to modify the breathwork practice accordingly. Some practitioners may have specific certifications or trainings in breathwork, such as a certification from a breathwork training program or a specific modality such as Holotropic Breathwork or Rebirthing Breathwork. Ultimately, it’s important to find a practitioner who has the appropriate to safely and effectively deliver a breathwork session that will be transformative.
Private breathwork sessions and group sessions both have their own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice between the two ultimately depends on the individual needs and preferences of the practitioner and the clients. Private sessions offer a more personalized and individualized approach to breathwork, with the instructor able to tailor the practice to the specific needs and goals of the client. This can be especially beneficial for people who are dealing with complex physical or emotional issues or who require more individual attention and support. In contrast, group sessions can be more cost-effective and offer a sense of community and shared experience that can be very powerful and supportive. Group sessions also offer the opportunity for social connection and can help to build a sense of community and belonging.
For individuals, evaluating what a student needs for a breathwork session involves a careful consideration of several factors, including the individual’s physical and mental health history, their goals and intentions for the practice, and their previous experience with breathwork or other similar practices. This process begins with a comprehensive assessment of the student’s medical history and any current health concerns, as well as any medications or supplements they are taking. The student’s current stress levels, emotional state, and overall well-being should also be considered. Next, the instructor should discuss the student’s goals and intentions for the breathwork practice, including any specific issues they hope to address, such as anxiety, insomnia, or chronic pain. Finally, the instructor should assess the student’s previous experience with breathwork or other similar practices, and use this information to tailor the session to meet their specific needs and goals. This might include selecting appropriate breathing techniques, choosing appropriate music or soundscapes, and providing guidance and support throughout the session. By taking these factors into account, instructors can create a personalized breathwork session that meets the unique needs of each individual student.
What is the intention or goal for the group or person you are teaching? Are you trying to help them calm anxiety, improve their lung capacity, or encourage an emotional breakthrough? You should design the setting and breath flow around this intention. You can intentionally activate the parasympathetic nervous system and/or the sympathetic nervous system to cause people to feel certain states. You can also combine techniques to help people explore sensations in the mind or body. Starting with what the client(s) want to get out of the experience can be a great way to deliver exactly that.
Trauma can cause the body to hold onto tension and negative emotions, and breathwork can be a powerful tool to release these pent-up feelings. As a teacher, it’s important to approach each student with an open mind and an understanding that everyone’s experience with trauma is unique. Trauma informed care across medicine and wellness is an increasingly important topic that shouldn’t be overlooked. By being sensitive to each student’s specific needs, you can help them feel safe and supported as they explore their inner world. One step is to explain everything that you are doing and what may happen. This may involve guiding them through different breathing techniques and encouraging them to keep going as they move through any difficult emotions that arise. You may also want to support the person by touching them as long as you have their consent to do so. Ultimately, by creating a personalized breathwork practice for your students, you can empower them to take an active role in their healing journey and help them feel more in control of their own well-being.
Creating a personalized breathwork practice can be an effective tool for addressing anxiety. When we feel anxious, our bodies often respond with rapid, shallow breathing which can exacerbate feelings of panic and distress. By incorporating specific breathing techniques into your practice, such as deep belly breathing or alternate nostril breathing, you can help your students slow down their breathing and calm their nervous system. Design a breath flow for each student or class on a case by case basis. Some students may find longer, slower breaths to be more calming, while others may benefit from faster, more rhythmic breathing patterns. By experimenting with different techniques and encouraging students to pay attention to their own bodies and breath, you can create a practice that is both personalized and effective in addressing anxiety. With consistent practice, your students can develop the skills to regulate their own breath and reduce feelings of anxiety and stress in their daily lives.
Another area where many students may be looking for guidance from a breathwork instructor is sleep. When we experience difficulty sleeping, our bodies are often in a state of tension and stress. By incorporating specific breathing techniques into a flow, such as lengthening the exhale or incorporating visualization, you can help your students relax and prepare for a restful night’s sleep. Again, everyone is different. Some students may find it helpful to start with slower, more calming breaths, while others may benefit from more energizing breaths at the beginning of the flow. As the flow progresses, guiding your students towards longer, slower breaths can help them relax and unwind. Encouraging students to focus on the present moment and let go of any worries or stressors can also help them feel more calm and at ease. With consistent practice, a breathwork flow for improving sleep can become a helpful part of your students’ bedtime routine, helping them to fall asleep more easily and wake up feeling refreshed.
Designing a breathwork practice for performance at work or in sports can be an effective tool for improving focus, reducing stress, and enhancing physical performance. When we’re under pressure, our bodies often respond with shallow, rapid breathing, which can make us feel tense and anxious. Incorporating specific breathing techniques into your practice, such as box breathing (to calm) or Kapalabhati (to fire up), can help your students prime their state before performance. It’s important to tailor the practice to the specific demands of the workplace or sport, as different activities may require different types of breathwork. For example, a high-intensity sport like soccer may benefit from more energizing, rhythmic breathwork, while deep focused work may require a slower, more calming breathwork to help reduce stress and improve focus. Breathwork can even help people enter the flow state. Encouraging students to practice regularly, both during and outside of work or sports activities, can help them develop the skills to regulate their breath and perform at their best. With consistent practice, a breathwork practice for performance can become an important part of your students’ routines, helping them to achieve their goals with greater ease and confidence.
The physical environment plays on the senses and can enhance and compliment the breath flow you designed to a great degree. This includes things like music, light, sound, touch, smell, and setting. All of which will influence how a client perceives the session. For example, comfortable places to lie, blankets, eye masks, and bolsters encourage participants to relax and let their guard down. Also, some breathwork instructors use essential oils or tiger balm on participants to engage their sense of smell.
You should decide on music beforehand. Many breath instructors create their own soundtrack and will loop things like breathing noises over the music. Music and sound sets the tone for the entire experience – allowing you to ramp up the energy and bring it back down again when needed. Watch this video to understand how music plays a role.
There are a variety of musical instruments that can be well-suited for breathwork practices. Instruments that produce soothing and calming sounds can help create a relaxing and meditative environment that can enhance the breathwork experience. Instruments such as the Native American flute, singing bowls, handpans, and harps can produce gentle and melodic tones that promote relaxation and inner focus. Rhythmic instruments such as hand drums can create a grounding and physical sensation that can help to induce a meditative state. Other instruments like gongs and didgeridoos can produce deep, transformative sounds that can facilitate emotional release and inner reflection. Ultimately, the choice of instrument will depend on the individual’s preferences and the type of breathwork practice being used. It’s important to choose an instrument that is well-suited to the practitioner’s goals and can create a supportive and calming environment during the practice.
Before you guide a breathwork session, you should write out your breath flow and practice it. Set boundaries around time and length of the session. Create the flow in a way that leads people through a journey where each technique flows well into the next. Write out the technique you intend to use, the duration you will use it, and the goal of each technique. This way you can map out the clients’ experience and see if there are any rough transitions. You can also use cues like music or breath sounds to mark transitions and set pace. Most breath flows begin with a brief check-in with the breath, then proceed to a warm up for the lungs and diaphragm. From there, follow your stated intention to create a flow that will move participants towards that goal.
After a breathwork session, many people often report feeling more relaxed, grounded, and centered. The practice of breathwork can help release physical and emotional tension from the body, leading to a sense of lightness and freedom. It can also promote a sense of mental clarity and focus, as well as a heightened awareness of thoughts and emotions. Many people report feeling more connected to themselves and others, and a greater sense of openness and receptivity. The effects of breathwork can be both immediate and cumulative, with regular practice leading to greater resilience, emotional balance, and overall well-being.
It’s important to note that some people may experience temporary discomfort or emotional release during a breathwork session. As a breathwork instructor, you should inform them that this is totally normal and suggest ways to integrate the experience. In a group session, ask people to speak about their experience afterwards. You can ask for something as simple as a single word or open the floor to entire experiences. Journaling and talking to friends and family afterward can also be helpful for processing. Beyond processing, it’s recommended to take some time for rest and reflection (especially in nature) after a breathwork session, allowing the benefits of the practice to fully integrate into the body and mind.
Before leading a breathwork session, it is absolutely essential to ask participants whether they would like to be touched. Physical touch can feel incredibly supportive during as you go through emotions and memories during breathwork, but only if it is consented to. An unwanted touch could trigger trauma or make processing more difficult. Ask participants to raise their hands if they don’t want to be touched while they are all lying down so that it is anonymous. Also, you should also ask whether participants want essential oils before you start if you are using them.
You must establish safety guidelines for your breathwork sessions and be insured to practice breathwork. It is important that you ask people about their medical history for example, whether they are pregnant, have high blood pressure, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cancer, epilepsy, or any other medical intolerance to oxygen insufficiency. For example, people with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may need to modify their breathwork practice to avoid triggering respiratory symptoms. Similarly, people with cardiovascular conditions should be cautious with practices that involve rapid or forceful breathing, as this can lead to changes in blood pressure and heart rate. It’s also important to be aware of any mental health concerns, such as anxiety or panic disorders, as certain types of breathwork may trigger intense emotional experiences. Practitioners should be aware of these concerns and work with clients to modify the practice as needed to ensure it is safe and appropriate for their individual needs. For people with such issues, breathwork can be dangerous. You should also be mindful that people can lose consciousness. If you are doing any breathwork where people are walking or exercising, stick to soft surfaces.
As you can see, when creating a personalized breathwork practice for your students, it’s important to consider the what, why, when and where of the practice. Setting strong intentions and creating a structured yet adaptable breathflow blueprint are also essential components to your effectiveness as an instructor. Equally as important, always make sure you keep safety and consent in mind while guiding your students through their breathwork journey. Becoming a breathwork instructor takes patience and time but with dedication and focus, it can be so rewarding to help people find relaxation, relief from trauma, and healing through their own breathing. Take this next step today by learning about what it means to become a certified breath instructor — you won’t regret it!
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