Two Palms, One Breath

Breathwork is a conscious practice that involves intentionally manipulating your breathing patterns to influence your mental, emotional, and physical well-being. It is based on the understanding that our breath has a direct connection to our overall health and state of mind. Breathwork incorporates various techniques, ranging from simple relaxation exercises to more intense, transformative experiences, aimed at promoting self-awareness, personal growth, and healing.

Breathwork offers numerous benefits, including reduced stress and anxiety, improved mental clarity, increased energy levels, enhanced emotional balance, and a deeper sense of relaxation. It can also promote self-awareness, emotional release, and personal growth, as well as strengthen the immune system and improve overall well-being. Many people also report experiencing profound insights, spiritual experiences, and lasting positive changes in their lives.

Each session is around 90-120 mins long. Beginning with a gentle opening circle check-in and introduction, breathing warm ups (gentle pranayama breathing and/or movement exercises). Then into the extended circular breathing practice of conscious connected breathwork, finishing with relaxation, (optional) sharing and closing. You may experience a range of emotions, physical sensations, or insights as you work through the process. Many people can cry, laugh, shout, move - these are all natural and can be encouraged if the person feels they need to let something out. The facilitator will be there to support and guide you throughout the experience.

While breathwork is generally considered safe for most people, there are certain medical conditions and circumstances that may require caution or consultation with a healthcare professional before engaging in the practice. Breathwork can lead to specific physiological changes and may trigger intense emotional and physical releases. Consequently, certain conditions are contraindicated for some breathwork practices, including: glaucoma, uncontrolled high blood pressure, cardiovascular issues such as angina, pregnancy (see FAQ about pregnancy below), detached retina, previous heart attack or stroke, severe PTSD or trauma, diagnosed aneurysms in the brain or abdomen, uncontrolled thyroid conditions or diabetes, asthma, epilepsy, stomach ulcers, history of bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, or any psychiatric hospitalisation or emotional crisis within the past 10 years. Other medical, psychiatric, or physical conditions that may impair your ability to participate in activities involving intense emotional or physical release should also be considered. If any of these apply to you, please get in touch before booking a session. While some of these conditions may not necessarily prevent you from participating, you may be advised to utilise a modified breathing technique. For any concerns or questions, please reach out to us and we will be happy to provide guidance. Please note that during and after a 1:1 or group session you remain responsible for your own wellbeing.

Limited research exists on beathwork as a whole, and even fewer studies focus on Breathwork and pregnancy, so a definitive answer is not available. As a pregnant individual, the decision regarding what is best for you and your baby ultimately lies in your hands. Nevertheless, considering a few factors may assist you in making that choice. If your pregnancy is high-risk or during the first trimester, alternative breathing exercises such as slow deep breathing, box breathing, or the 4-7-8 technique might be more suitable for fostering calmness in both body and mind. Additionally, certain pre-existing health conditions like high blood pressure could be contraindications for breathwork (refer to the mentioned contraindications above). Depending on your pregnancy stage, you might also want to avoid lying on your back while performing breathing exercises. Propping yourself up against a couch or bed could provide better support for your body during the second and third trimesters. Breathwork can sometimes result in intense emotional releases, which can be unpredictable. If you have previously participated in several breathwork sessions before pregnancy, you may have already experienced some of the releases that may happen, giving more of an understanding of what to expect and how to manage if emotions arise. However, first-time experiences can be quite intense at times. With a safe environment, a qualified facilitator, and your doctor's approval, breathwork can be a transformative practice, deepening your connection to your baby and preparing your body for childbirth by understanding how the breath can help with relaxation and surrender. In most cases, maintaining a slow, gentle breathing pattern and paying attention to your body's signals is advised. Before engaging in breathwork during pregnancy, it is recommended to consult your healthcare provider, especially if you are on medications or have a chronic health condition. While I am a trained facilitator, I am not a medical professional and are not familiar with the specifics of your situation.

Wear clothes that are loose fitting and comfortable, bring a journal & pen, a water bottle, and an eye mask. Depending on the studio you may need to bring your own mat, blanket, cushion/bolster, etc. Try not to eat a big, heavy meal one hour before the session begins.

Integration is a crucial part of your experience after a conscious connected breathwork (CCB) session. The practice often brings up deep emotions, insights, and physical sensations that need time and space to settle into your awareness. By engaging in integration practices such as journaling, gentle movement, spending time in nature, or simply resting, you create a bridge between the breathwork session and your daily life. This process helps solidify the benefits of the session, allowing you to make meaningful shifts and maintain the clarity and calm you've cultivated. Integration ensures that the work you’ve done during the session continues to support your growth and well-being long after the breath ends. It's important to be aware of your energy and what you need and to take space and rest if needed and it is possible.

Breathwork is for pretty much everyone, however, all bodies are different (also see contraindications above). If you have trouble laying for around 50 minutes, modifications can be made. Depending on the location of the session, it may or may not be wheelchair accessible. Please message beforehand to talk through any concerns you may have and so we can plan accordingly.

Absolutely, breathwork sessions are ideal for individuals of all experience levels, from first-timers to seasoned practitioners. The supportive and safe environment provided by the facilitator allows you to dive deep into the practice, regardless of your prior experience. Everything will be explained before the session begins, and it's important to inform the facilitator that you are new to the practice so they can address any questions or concerns you may have.

I strive to accommodate changes in plans whenever possible. However, the refund policy depends on the studio through which you booked the session. Please refer to their website terms for more information. If you booked a session directly with Two Palms Breathwork, the following refund policy applies: Full refund: If you cancel 7 days or more before the session. Partial refund: If you cancel between 7-2 days before the session and your spot can be filled, you will receive a full refund. No refund is provided if your spot cannot be filled. No refund: If you cancel within 48 hours of the event start time. You can transfer your ticket to another person at any time, but please inform us of the change so we can account for it and provide the new attendee with the necessary New Client form to understand their medical background. To cancel a session, follow the instructions provided on your ticket (e.g., request a refund via Eventbrite) or contact me directly. Please see Terms & Conditions for more information.

While both meditation and breathwork are practices designed to promote self-awareness, relaxation, and personal growth, they employ different methods to achieve these goals. Meditation typically focuses on quieting the mind and developing mindfulness through various techniques, such as focusing on the breath or a specific object. Breathwork, on the other hand, involves actively manipulating the breath to achieve desired outcomes, such as emotional release or heightened states of awareness.

Functional Breathwork is focused on improving specific physiological functions, such as increasing lung capacity or enhancing athletic performance. Integrative Breathwork, also known as Conscious Connected Breathwork, is a more holistic approach that aims to promote emotional, mental, and spiritual growth by altering one's breathing patterns to access deeper states of consciousness.

Breathwork is a practice and can have huge benefits when practised regularly. Depending on how deep you would like to go, five sessions is a great starting point. It also allows you to be comfortable with the breathing technique to practise for shorter periods at home without a facilitator.

Breathwork is a practice that can be done regularly. I would suggest coming to a minimum of five facilitated sessions until you feel comfortable with the technique and any emotions and sensations that may arise. It’s recommended to practise for a shorter time, starting at 5 minutes and working up in time each day; 6, 7, 8 minutes. There are also many recorded guided sessions that can help.