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Find Breathwork Near Me: Group Classes, 1:1 Coaching, and Guided Sessions
If you're searching for breathwork near me, you’re likely seeking a way to reduce stress, release emotional tension, and reconnect with yourself. Breathwork is a powerful holistic practice that uses conscious breathing techniques to support physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Whether you’re looking for group breathwork classes, 1:1 coaching, or online support, Sofia Health makes it easy to find and book certified breathwork practitioners near you.
From transformational breath to pranayama techniques, breathwork can serve a wide variety of goals: trauma healing, nervous system regulation, mental clarity, and even spiritual growth. Let’s explore what breathwork is, its benefits, the types of sessions available, and how you can find the right provider near you.
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What is Breathwork?
Breathwork refers to a range of intentional breathing techniques that promote healing, awareness, and stress relief. Rooted in both modern somatic therapy and ancient practices like yogic pranayama, breathwork has gained popularity in recent years due to its profound physical and emotional benefits.
Common breathwork techniques include:
- Conscious connected breathing
- Holotropic breathwork
- Rebirthing breathwork
- Integrative breathwork
- Circular breathing
- Mindful breathing
- Somatic breath practices
Sessions may be guided by a certified breathwork coach, therapist, or spiritual healer, depending on your intention and needs.
Who Can Benefit from Breathwork?
Breathwork supports a wide range of goals, making it ideal for individuals looking to:
- Reduce anxiety and manage stress
- Regulate the nervous system
- Enhance focus and clarity
- Heal from trauma or emotional blocks
- Cultivate mindfulness and spiritual awareness
- Improve sleep and boost energy levels
- Feel more grounded and connected to their body
Whether you’re new to the practice or returning for deeper emotional work, breathwork can meet you where you are.
How is Breathwork Different from Meditation or Yoga?
Breathwork is rising in popularity because it offers a direct way to quiet the mind and reconnect with the body. While meditation promotes long-term self-awareness, it can keep us focused on our thoughts. Breathwork, by contrast, helps release mental chatter and access a deeper state of clarity and relief, often more quickly. It’s an effective tool for those seeking immediate grounding, especially in moments of stress or emotional overwhelm.
Is Breathwork Better than Meditation?
While meditation supports mental clarity and pain tolerance, breathwork offers direct physical benefits, especially for the respiratory and circulatory systems. It can strengthen lung capacity, lower blood pressure, and support conditions like asthma or COPD. Athletes also use it to boost endurance. Both practices promote mindfulness but serve different needs. Meditation helps anchor you in the present, while breathwork improves breathing and offers quicker physical relief. Try both to see which best supports your goals.
What is Holotropic Breathwork?
Holotropic breathwork, meaning "moving toward wholeness," was developed in the 1970s by psychiatrists Stanislav and Christina Grof as a drug-free method to access altered states of consciousness for healing. It uses controlled hyperventilation, guided by a trained facilitator, often accompanied by intense music. The goal is emotional release, trauma resolution, and a deeper sense of peace.
What is Shamanic Breathwork?
Shamanic breathwork uses the breath to connect to a spiritual world, aiming to alter the practitioner's consciousness and enter into an entranced state, usually under the supervision of a spiritual guide or shaman.
Is Breathwork Dangerous?
In general, breathwork is a perfectly safe activity that almost anyone can do with limited risk. It’s been scientifically proven to offer many benefits for physical and mental health and has even been recommended by medical professionals to help patients improve their breathing. Anyone feeling uneasy about trying breathwork can seek out private sessions, workshops, and retreats where they’ll be able to learn and experience breathwork under the guidance of trained facilitators.
How Long Should a Breathwork Session Last?
Full sessions last about 45 minutes to an hour, with about 30 minutes of actual breathing time followed by a meditation and visualization period. Doing this full session is ideal for getting the full experience and the most benefits. However, shorter sessions are also very effective and can be added to your routine. You can find sessions of increasing length starting from just 5-10 minutes.
What Happens During a Breathwork Session?
You’ll be guided to breathe in a rhythmic or patterned way for some time, often while lying down. A breathwork facilitator may offer music, verbal prompts, or body awareness cues. Emotional release, physical sensations, or deep clarity may arise.
Is Breathwork Safe for Everyone?
Breathwork is generally safe but may not be recommended for those with certain conditions (e.g., epilepsy, severe cardiovascular disease, pregnancy, or untreated PTSD). Always inform your practitioner of any health concerns before beginning.
How Often Should I Do Breathwork?
That depends on your goals. Some practice conscious breathing daily, while others attend weekly group breathwork classes or monthly 1:1 coaching sessions. Your practitioner can recommend a plan.
Can Breathwork Help with Anxiety or Trauma?
Yes. Trauma-informed breathwork is a powerful tool for processing unhealed emotional wounds and reducing anxiety symptoms by calming the nervous system.
How Do I Prepare for a Session?
Wear comfortable clothes, avoid heavy meals beforehand, and have water nearby. Create a quiet space, especially for online sessions, and bring an open mind and heart.
Do I Need Experience to Try Breathwork?
No experience is needed. Many practitioners at Sofia Health offer beginner-friendly sessions to gently introduce you to the practice.
What to Expect in a Breathwork Session?
Breathwork sessions vary by practitioner and technique, but you can expect to engage in active, guided breathing throughout. Your facilitator may offer verbal cues or hold space silently, depending on the style. Every experience is unique—trust that your breath will lead you to the level of healing you need in that moment.
Tip: If you're new to breathwork, choose a certified, experienced practitioner who makes you feel safe and supported.
Different Types of Breathwork
Breathwork techniques serve different purposes—from relaxation to energy activation. Here’s a breakdown of the key types:
1. Controlled Breathing
This involves consciously adjusting your natural breathing pattern to increase awareness and calm the mind. A common example is box breathing: inhale, hold, exhale, and hold—each for four counts.
2. Circular Breathing
A slow, even pattern of inhaling and exhaling without pauses. Used to clear energy blocks and enhance emotional release. Practitioners often visualize energy flowing through the body.
3. Conscious Connected Breathing
This continuous breath eliminates pauses between inhales and exhales, potentially leading to altered states. It should be done with a trained facilitator due to its intensity.
4. Fast and Full Breathing
Similar to conscious connected breathing, but faster. It connects breaths in a rapid cycle and may induce an altered state. Exhales should be natural and unforced to avoid cramping.
5. Deep Relaxation Breathing (DRB)
Also known as diaphragmatic or abdominal breathing, DRB involves deep inhales, a hold, and slow exhales (e.g., 4-7-8 pattern). It activates the parasympathetic nervous system, helping reduce anxiety, blood pressure, and PTSD symptoms.
6. Holotropic Breathwork
Created by Stanislav and Christina Grof, this technique uses intense breathing and music to access altered states. Facilitators may include touch, art, and group sharing during sessions.
7. Yogic Breathing (Pranayama)
This form integrates breath with movement to enhance the mind-body connection. Guided by trained yoga instructors, it involves specific breath patterns for targeted outcomes.
8. Shamanic Breathwork
A ceremonial practice combining rhythmic breathing with drumming and sacred rituals. It aims to heal deep emotional wounds and often induces trance-like states.
9. Rebirthing Breathwork
Developed by Leonard Orr, this guided method mimics the rhythm of birth to release trauma and subconscious blocks. Some sessions use water immersion to enhance the experience.
10. Wim Hof Method
Created by Wim Hof, this method combines circular breathing, breath holds, cold exposure, and meditation to improve physical resilience and mental focus.
Types of Breathwork Sessions Offered
Sofia Health offers access to a wide variety of breathwork modalities, delivered by trusted and certified providers. Here are the most common session types:
1. Private 1:1 Breathwork Coaching
These personalized sessions are tailored to your emotional, physical, or spiritual goals. Your breathwork facilitator will guide you through a session that may incorporate somatic awareness, trauma-informed breathing, and post-session integration support.
2. Group Breathwork Classes
Join others in a supportive setting to experience the power of conscious breathing together. Group sessions are ideal for emotional release, community healing, and shared energy work.
Find group breathwork classes near you
3. Online Breathwork Sessions
Can’t attend in person? Many providers offer virtual breathwork classes or remote coaching that’s just as effective. All you need is a quiet space and a willingness to breathe with intention.
Explore virtual breathwork options
Hormones that Breathwork Releases
Breathwork has the power to release several hormones that can improve our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Some of the key hormones that are influenced by breathwork include:
1. Endorphins: Deep breathing stimulates the release of endorphins, which are natural painkillers and mood elevators.
2. Oxytocin: Also known as the “cuddle hormone,” oxytocin is released through deep breathing, promoting feelings of love, trust, and social bonding.
3. Serotonin: This hormone plays a key role in regulating mood, appetite, and sleep, and has been shown to increase in response to deep breathing.
4. Dopamine: Deep breathing has been shown to increase dopamine levels, leading to improved focus, motivation, and overall sense of well-being.
Benefits of Breathwork
The physiological and emotional benefits of breathwork are well-supported by both anecdotal and clinical research. Practicing breathwork regularly may help you:
1. Lower cortisol levels (stress hormone)
2. Improve heart rate variability (HRV)
3. Balance oxygen and carbon dioxide levels
4. Increase emotional resilience
5. Experience cathartic emotional release
6. Promote nervous system healing (especially vagus nerve activation)
Many clients describe feeling lighter, clearer, and more at peace after just one session.
Three Simple Breathwork Exercises for Beginners
Breathwork does not have to be complicated. Here are three simple breathwork techniques to try:
1. 4-7-8 Breathing (Relaxing Breath)
Created by Dr. Andrew Weil, this technique promotes relaxation. Inhale through the nose for 4 seconds, hold for 7, and exhale through the mouth for 8. Repeat at least four times. Visualization—like imagining a calming scene—can enhance its effect.
2. Box Breathing
Used for calm and focus, especially by high performers. Inhale for 4 counts, hold for 4, exhale for 4, and hold again for 4. Repeat as needed.
3. Coherent Breathing (5-5 Breath)
This method involves breathing in and out slowly for 5 seconds each—about 5 breaths per minute. It helps lower anxiety and regulate heart rate.
How to Do Holotropic Breathwork
Below is a description of what a session of holotropic breathwork might look like.
1. Session Setup
Holotropic Breathwork is typically done in a group setting with a trained facilitator, though it can also be part of individual sessions or retreats.
2. Pairing Roles
Participants are paired as a "breather" and a "sitter." The breather actively engages in the session; the sitter provides quiet support and ensures safety if needed.
3. Guided Breathing
The facilitator instructs breathers to breathe faster and deeper with closed eyes, while maintaining even rhythm to avoid hyperventilation.
4. Session Duration
Sessions typically last 2–3 hours. Breathers lie on mats to stay grounded and move freely as the breathwork unfolds.
5. Music and Altered States
Rhythmic music—starting with drumming, peaking, and then softening into meditative tones—guides the breather into an altered state, similar to a vivid dream.
6. Freedom of Expression
The session is open-ended. Breathers may move or vocalize freely, allowing emotions, memories, or insights to surface naturally.
7. Integration
After the session, participants often draw mandalas and discuss their experience, ranging from trauma release to emotional or spiritual insights.
8. Role Reversal
In future sessions, breathers and sitters switch roles to complete the practice cycle.
9. Individual Experience
There are no specific expectations—each participant explores whatever arises in their altered state of consciousness.
3 Reasons Why Breathwork is a Powerful Tool for Healing
Breathwork is more than just a relaxation technique—it’s a transformative practice that connects the mind, body, and spirit. By using your breath intentionally, you can access deeper states of awareness, emotional clarity, and inner strength without relying on external substances or overthinking.
1. Access Inner Wisdom
Your breath naturally guides healing where it’s needed most—physically, emotionally, or energetically. Breathwork clears blocked energy pathways, helping you experience clarity, peace, and alignment without needing to mentally process everything.
2. Feel Deeply Empowered
Breathwork puts the power of transformation in your hands. With each session, your breath becomes a direct source of insight, emotional release, and forward movement—unlocking answers and breakthroughs from within.
3. Shift Your Perspective
Breathwork reduces stress and supports emotional healing. It fosters feelings of calm, gratitude, and connection while also helping release trauma, anxiety, grief, and fear. Many also report receiving creative insights and spiritual guidance through the process.
10 Common Breathwork Side Effects
When done correctly, breathwork is safe and beneficial. However, improper technique or underlying conditions can lead to side effects, especially during advanced practices. Here are 10 to watch for:
1. Dizziness
Improper breathing may reduce oxygen flow, causing lightheadedness. Stop and return to slow, steady breaths if this occurs.
2. Tingling in Extremities
Lack of oxygen can lead to tingling in the hands, feet, or limbs, often a sign of over-breathing or hyperventilation.
3. Chest Pain
Tension or altered breathing may trigger chest discomfort. Pause your practice and seek medical help if pain persists.
4. Irregular Heartbeat
Rapid or uneven heart rhythms can arise, especially in those with heart conditions. Stop immediately and consult a doctor if symptoms continue.
5. Muscle Spasms
Tightness or spasms in the diaphragm, hands, or mouth can result from oxygen imbalance. Relax and slow your breathing to ease symptoms.
6. Blurred Vision
Temporary vision changes may occur due to altered oxygen levels. Stop and resume normal breathing to stabilize.
7. Ringing in the Ears
Breathwork can amplify tinnitus or cause ringing, especially during intense techniques. If this happens, shift to gentle breathing.
8. Emotional Distress
Breathwork can bring up unresolved emotions or trauma. While this may be healing for some, others may find it overwhelming. Seek professional guidance if needed.
9. Psychosis
In rare cases, breathwork may trigger dissociation or psychotic episodes, particularly in vulnerable individuals. Consult a mental health professional before engaging in deep breathwork.
10. Seizures
Individuals with seizure disorders should approach breathwork with caution. Consult a doctor before participating, as rapid shifts in oxygen may pose a risk.
How to Choose a Breathwork Practitioner Near You
Not all breathwork is the same, and choosing the right provider is key to a meaningful experience. Here’s what to look for:
1. Credentials: Look for a certified breathwork coach or facilitator with trauma-informed training.
2. Modality: Some practitioners specialize in holotropic breathwork, others in somatic healing, or spiritual integration.
3. Experience level: New to breathwork? Choose a practitioner who offers introductory sessions or gentle practices.
4. Session format: Decide if you prefer in-person, group, or online sessions.
Browse breathwork coaches and book now on Sofia Health
Understanding Breathwork Pricing
Curious about how much breathwork costs? Prices vary based on session length, practitioner credentials, session type (private vs. group), and whether the session is in-person or virtual.
Read our full Breathwork pricing guide here
This guide covers:
- Typical price ranges for sessions
- Cost factors (location, experience, modality)
- Package pricing and memberships
- Why investing in your breath is worth it
Start Your Breathwork Journey Today
If you’re ready to explore the benefits of breathwork therapy, there’s no better time to start. Whether you're looking for a breathwork coach near you, guided breathing for stress, or an online session to calm your mind, Sofia Health connects you with trusted professionals who can help.
Search breathwork providers and book your session today on Sofia Health
Sources:
The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.
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