Recently, the ancient practice of breathwork has gained renewed attention as a powerful tool for enhancing overall wellbeing. Its bodily, mental and emotional benefits have been reported by the most rigorously peer-reviewed, respected medical journals. New England Journal of Medicine found that regular slow breathing exercises improved lung function and reduced asthma symptoms while International Journal of Behavioral Medicine reported breathwork was associated with improvements in immune system function in HIV patients.

So what exactly is breathwork and how does it work? To explore these questions, Jinou Park, creative director of the June event “Experience as Healing” sat down with a leading practitioner of breathwork, Avery Whitmore who shared insights into the history and origins of this ancient practice, as well as the many benefits. The conversation has been edited for length and clarity.

Avery, when did you first come across the practice of breathwork? Were you always interested in ancient spiritual, physical healing practices?

I came across breathwork about eight years ago. I had some transformational breakthroughs at a young age and that journey initially led me to study massage therapy. There, I was inspired to study other modalities and I went in deep into this work.

What exactly is breathwork and how does it work?

Breathwork is a practice of conscious breathing that involves deep, intentional breathing techniques to help quiet the mind and promote relaxation. It is an integral part of many spiritual and mindfulness practices, including yoga and meditation, and has been used for centuries in cultures around the world. At its core, breathwork is about learning to control your breath to manage your emotions and promote physical and mental health. There are many different styles and techniques of breathwork, ranging from slow, intentional breathing to rapid, rhythmic breathing.

Which are those cultures around the world that practiced it? Usually we think of yogic, Pranayama origins from India.

Chinese practice of Qigong involves breathing techniques as well as movements and meditation, done for thousands of years to improve health and vitality. In Egypt, the practice of Hekau uses specific breathing techniques to access spiritual power and connect with the divine. While the specific techniques and practices of breathwork may vary across cultures, the underlying principle is the same: to use the breath as a tool for improving physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

Let’s dive deeper into those benefits. Reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression to improving cardiovascular function makes a lot of sense. But there’s even reports of improvements in immune system function in HIV patients. I’m not necessarily asking for medical diagnosis. From a practitioner point of view, what do you think is the source of all this healing?

While the benefits from this practice can be examined through a scientific lens, there is a profound spiritual aspect that cannot always be easily explained by science alone. Breathwork not only supports the immune system, but also bolsters emotional well-being. As energy flows more freely and our bodies become more connected, we experience greater unity with the cosmos, the earth, our hearts, and our visions. Breathwork offers an opportunity to deeply remember and reconnect with your truth and the universal truth.

I once participated in breathing workshop with Wim Hof, the ice man. His method is deep inhaling and unforced exhale repeated like 30 times. At the end of that, I found myself able to hold my breath for almost a minute, which I know I’m not usually capable of. He also preaches not just mental but physical benefits of anti-inflammatory, immune system boost and even autoimmune disease relief. Are there other breathing techniques similar to that?

Yes, there are various techniques that share similarities with the Wim Hof Method. In our advanced breathing session in June, I will be teaching a conscious connected deep breathing technique that is both similar and distinct from Wim Hof's approach. Through this practice, you will likely be able to hold your breath for over a minute, and may even experience non-ordinary states of consciousness. These states can lead to visions, feelings of deep connection, or a heightened sense of unity and connection to all things around you.