Maloca‘s recent focus on breathwork has undoubtedly left some readers wondering. Reactions ranging from excitement to curiosity and skepticism would be expected. If we were part of the skepticism group, this post is for you. The truth is that you can control your breathing. And doing so allows a person to reap a number of benefits.
Breathing Is a Natural Exercise
Perhaps one of the reasons some people are skeptical of breathwork is the fact that breathing is a natural exercise. We don’t have to force ourselves to do it. But we do have to force ourselves to control breathing. We need to actively do it, actively think about it, and actively want to make it happen.
Does that mean it is possible to train oneself to control breathing in a more natural way, without having to work at it so much? Absolutely. With practice, controlled breathing gets easier. And when you combine the practical implications of control breathing with the fundamentals of breathwork, amazing things can happen.
An Ancient Exercise
Controlled breathing, in its many forms, is an ancient exercise dating back thousands of years. But do not assume that its benefits are exclusively tied up in Eastern philosophies and beliefs. Scientific studies conducted without reference to Eastern beliefs prove that controlled breathing offers practical benefits.
For example, a 2023 study published in the Frontiers in Physiology journal, demonstrated that controlled breathing exercises in the workplace can help reduce stress significantly. The study also drew a correlation between doing so and combating hypertension.
These sorts of studies verify something mothers and grandmothers have seemingly known for generations: when you get upset, step back and take a few deep breaths. Most of us know this instinctively. Making a concerted effort to control breathing during moments of anxiety helps us relax.
Eastern Breathwork Is Similar
The Eastern breathwork techniques we promote are quite similar. They are actually based on the same premise of controlling one’s thoughts and emotions via controlled breathing. Breathwork encourages focusing on the moment rather than dwelling in the past or getting anxious about the future. Through a combination of controlled breathing and that focus, it’s possible to reach beyond the immediate stress of the moment into a calmer and more relaxed place.
In addition to relaxing, controlled breathing brings to bear a number of other practical applications:
- Reductions in both respiration and heart rate.
- Improved respiratory efficiency.
- Improved emotional regulation.
- Better focus and more alertness.
- Improved immune function.
It is not appropriate to say that breathwork or basic control breathing is a cure for every problem under the sun. There is no such thing. However, the combination of ancient practice and modern scientific study demonstrates that controlling one’s breathing can do a lot for physical and emotional health.
Practice Makes Perfect
Like anything else, controlled breathing is an exercise requiring practice to master. It can be very difficult to slow and control your breathing if you are not used to doing so. But that’s why breathwork classes are so valuable.
As breathwork facilitators, we believe in the principle of practice making perfect. First-time breathwork students probably aren’t going to get it right. They are likely to struggle to move through the various stages in the first session or two. But over time, practicing breathwork gets easier. It begins to feel more natural.
Just about anyone can learn to practice controlled breathing. How far you might take it is up to you. If breathwork interests you and you are located in the Salt Lake City area, we invite you to learn more about it from Maloca Sound.
