Yoga, breathwork and meditation in small classes to allow our teacher to respond to your individual needs. Our focus is on nervous system regulation and deeper levels of embodiment so that you leave feeling rested and better able to respond to daily stressors.
Yoga is a set of physical, mental, and spiritual practices from ancient India designed to focus, still, and strengthen the mindbody. There are a wide variety of methods and schools that exist today – we will help guide you to a set of practices that will best suit your health and performance needs.
Breathwork is a breathing technique and practice, used to improve mental and physical wellbeing. You will be guided to intentionally shift your pattern of breathing in a way that can either be stimulating (activating the sympathetic nervous system) or relaxing (activating the parasympathetic nervous system).
Breathwork and yoga have been proven to have many positive effects including:
Breathwork practice involves a set of complex interactions between the respiratory, cardiovascular, nervous, and endocrine systems. The specific effects depend on the type of breathwork practiced. Here is some general information about what occurs in the body during breathwork, and its effects:
Controlled breathing influences the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lungs, optimizing the oxygenation of blood and removal of carbon dioxide.
Different breathwork techniques may alter ventilation patterns, affecting respiratory rate and depth. For example, slow, deep breaths can activate the diaphragm and promote relaxation.
Breathwork can influence heart rate. Slow, deep breaths and certain relaxation techniques may lead to a decrease in heart rate, promoting a state of calm.
Controlled breathing may impact blood pressure. Techniques that induce relaxation may contribute to lowering blood pressure.
Breathwork can modulate the balance between the sympathetic (fight-or-flight) and parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) branches of the autonomic nervous system. Slow, deep breaths often stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation.
Some breathwork practices, especially those emphasizing slow and rhythmic breathing, may increase heart rate variability, which is associated with better adaptability to stress.
Breathwork may influence the release of stress hormones, such as cortisol. Relaxation techniques can help reduce cortisol levels, contributing to stress reduction.
Some breathwork practices, particularly those associated with mindful breathing and meditation, may stimulate the release of endorphins, promoting feelings of well-being.
Controlled breathing can impact cerebral blood flow, potentially influencing cognitive function and mental clarity.
Breathwork practices may affect the levels of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), contributing to mood regulation.
Breathwork emphasizes conscious control over breathing patterns, fostering a mindbody connection. This awareness can be a form of biofeedback, allowing individuals to influence their own physiological responses.
Mindful and intentional breathing practices may activate the relaxation response, reducing the perception of stress and anxiety.
