These practices are ancient, intuitive, and deeply personal. They are also grounded in modern science. Understanding the physiological changes that occur in the body is vital, and as a trauma-informed facilitator, I am dedicated to understanding this science for your safety and wellbeing.
By practising Breathwork we can consciously manage our autonomic nervous system, the control centre for our stress response. By changing our breathing pattern, we can shift our body from a state of “fight or flight” to one of “rest and digest,” with profound effects on our physical and mental health.
The Surprising Importance of CO₂ It’s a common misconception that more oxygen is always better. In fact, our bodies need a healthy level of carbon dioxide (CO₂) for oxygen to be released effectively from our red blood cells into our tissues and organs. When we over-breathe (breathe too quickly or shallowly through our mouths), we wash away too much CO₂, meaning less oxygen actually gets to our cells. Slow, gentle, nasal breathing is the optimal way to ensure your body is properly oxygenated.
Building Resilience to Stress By using techniques like Conscious Connected Breathwork in a safe, controlled space, we can intentionally activate our sympathetic nervous system (“fight or flight”) and then consciously bring ourselves back to a calm state. This process is like exercise for your nervous system. Over time, it increases your “window of tolerance,” teaching your body how to move more easily from a state of stress to one of calm in real-life situations.
The Mind-Body Connection Our nervous system affects every other system in our body. Chronic stress caused by dysfunctional breathing patterns can contribute to physical health conditions. By practicing breathwork and regulating our nervous system, we can create positive downstream effects for our overall health and wellbeing.
The feeling of peace we experience in a forest isn’t just in our heads; it’s a measurable, physiological response to the natural environment that we as humans have evolved in. The Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku, or Forest Bathing, is backed by decades of research. During a session you are invited to slowly step out of your mind and focus on your senses and experience the deeply restorative and healing results.
Boosts Immunity When we immerse ourselves in a forest, we breathe in airborne essential oils called phytoncides, which trees release to protect themselves from germs and insects. For humans, inhaling these compounds has remarkable benefits. Studies show that exposure to phytoncides can increase the number and activity of our Natural Killer (NK) cells, a type of white blood cell that plays a critical role in fighting off viruses and tumours. This immune boost can last for days after a visit to a forest as well as help our bodies to recover faster from surgery or illness.
Reduces Stress Hormones Forest Bathing has been proven to lower levels of cortisol, adrenaline, and noradrenaline—the key hormones related to stress and burnout. This leads to lower blood pressure, a slower heart rate, and a profound sense of calm and aids in fighting anxiety and depression.
Improved Concentration and Clarity The practice of slowing down and focusing on nature helps to cut through the many distractions of modern life, allowing the mind to become clearer and allow for greater focus, intuition and creativity.
More receptive, resilient and adaptable to change Our perception literally expands as stress hormones decrease and sensory neurons become more receptive allowing you to sense the world with remarkable depth. Opening the mind and reducing judgement, giving a greater sense of peace, acceptance and positive outlook.
Improved sleep and energy Forest Bathing fights fatigue and increases energy and vitality as well as triggering hormones and processes in the body that improve sleep.
Instills hope and confidence Spending mindful time in nature can fundamentally bolster a sense of hope and confidence, which are key components of mental and emotional health and wellbeing, as well as personal development. Forest Bathing can help to feel more hopeful about life and more confident and capable of meeting challenges.
This is just a brief summary of a fascinating and growing field of research. If you’d like to learn more, here is a reading list of books to help you gain the knowledge to support you with your practise and which I found fundamental to my understanding.
The best way to understand, of course, is to experience it for yourself.