EVOLUTION BREATHWORK
Below is a link to an easy to understand infographic about the benefits of breathwork in an article written for the Huffington post
Below is one of many fascinating interviews with Stanislav Grof, a seemingly bottomless well of knowledge, experience, insight and wisdom on the subjects of breathwork, psychedelic research, spontaneous spiritual emergency and everything to do with the subject of non-ordinary states of consciousness...
Below is a link to an interview between Dan Brule and Dr Patricia Gerbarg discussing the neuroscience behind breathwork. Dan Brule is a breath-worker who is totally committed to spreading understanding and knowledge about breath mastery and travels the world giving seminars and trainings on the subject. One of his favourite examples is outlined in Technique number 1. Dr Patricia Gerbarg is the Assistant Clinical Professor in Psychiatry, New York Medical College. She practices Integrative Psychiatry, combining standard and complementary treatments. Her research focuses on mind-body practices for reducing the effects of stress and trauma. If you want to try the technique that they discuss in the interview called Coherent breathwork then have a look at Technique number 2.
Below is a link to an interview between Sonia Doubell and Alan Dolan who specialises in Transformational breathwork. This is a good interview to watch as Sonia gives her experience of having just done a deep breathwork session and Alan uses pretty clear language to describe some of the fundamental aspects of all deep breathwork modalities from Evolution to Holotropic to Rebirthing as they all have far more in common than they have differences, all using the power of the breath to access profound healing potential.
We live in very interesting times where science and spirituality are coming together to form a much more complete picture of the rich tapestry of the reality we exist in. As well as the deep forms of breathwork such as Evolution, Holotropic, Rebirthing and Transcendental breathwork, there are also many more simple breathing techniques that can be used on a daily basis to improve overall health.
"Western Science is approaching a paradigm shift of unprecedented proportions, one that will change our concepts of reality and of human nature, bridge the gap between ancient wisdom and modern science, and reconcile the differences between Eastern spirituality and Western pragmatism."
Stanislav Grof in ‘Beyond the Brain’
Here are a few links to lectures and interviews which give a bit more insight into how breathing in different ways affects our physiology, bio-chemistry and state of mind. I have also outlined a couple of techniques that I use myself regularly to help mitigate the effects of modern living.
Below is a TED talk where Dr. Sundar Balasubramanian talks about how he has begun to translate ancient Yogic wisdoms into scientific understanding. Applying the translation of one of Thirumoolar's writings to his yoga breathing practice, it launched the idea for his groundbreaking study of yoga stimulated salivary biochemicals and how they affect human health. His future goal is to establish and conduct research on mind-body exercise, from various cultures, to learn any social and therapeutic potential for integrative medicine... If you are interested in trying a simple Pranayama technique then go to Technique number 3.