Womb/Hara Breathwork
What is Breathwork? Breathwork is the act of consciously utilizing the breath. It is defined by Kaya Leigh the founder of the Sacred Breath Method as “An experiential practice and self-healing modality that uses conscious, connected breathing to access expanded states of consciousness, while simultaneously unlocking repressed emotions and clearing stagnant energy from the mind, body and spirit”
Breathwork may be used to:
o Physically release and relax areas of accumulated stress or tension in the body
o Correct restrictive or shallow breathing patterns
o Dissolve mental and emotional blockages
o Unlock the sacred root of anxiety, depression, pain, fear, grief and/or anger
o Maximize respiratory capacity
o Help to work through trauma, particularly birthing, childhood, and ancestral
o Get in touch with one’s spiritual or divine essence
o Support one through a period of mourning or grieving
o Access multifaceted healing and insight (physical, mental, emotional, energetic, and spiritual) by entering into the source code of the wound/trauma/imprint
The Sacred Breath Method utilizes circular breathwork, or conscious connected breathwork. What this means is that one is consciously using their breath in sequences that follow a succinct pattern without pause.
When the pause between inhale and exhale is eliminated, there is an influx of oxygen into the system, reducing carbon dioxide levels. This state of enhanced oxygenation then triggers a release of a molecule known as DMT (dimethyltryptamine) from both the lungs and pineal gland. This internal source of DMT is completely safe and natural when produced endogenously within the human body.
In this way the Sacred Breath Method of conscious breathwork is a portal or gateway to non-ordinary states of consciousness where profound healing and transformative experiences can occur. It allows one to access higher states of awareness, spiritual wisdom, and emotional breakthroughs through a guided somatic journey.
What is distinct with the Sacred Breath Method’s approach apart from other types of breathwork is that this method uses Nose Inhalation sequences. Because the nose is rich in nerves, this stimulates ventral vagus centers (vagus nerve) and activates the parasympathetic nervous system (relaxation response), which is the direct opposite of a stress response (sympathetic nervous system).
By changing the rate, ratio, volume, and flow of the respiratory cycle, there can be experiential and perceptual shifts in consciousness, spiritual awareness, cognition, and self-identity. When applied therapeutically, the shifts experienced in conscious breathing correlate to a deeper sense of inner connection, somatic intelligence, emotional empowerment and psycho-spiritual integration.
Nose inhalation cycles and diaphragmatic breathing are the types of breath sequences that activate the PNS, whereas other modalities of breathwork such as Holotropic Breathwork, use mouth inhalation as its primary form of breath sequencing which activates the Sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and the “fight or flight” response. This can recreate trauma patterning within the body and can be especially activating for those with trauma, panic, or anxiety. It also results in the inhalation of less-air, creating shorter, more shallow inhales.
The Sacred Breath Academy holds that the method of inhale and overall approach to breathwork is important, as it is vital in order to support breathwork journeying and somatic unwinding, which is why this method takes on a more Yin approach. This looks like longer journeying, nourishing containers, and proper guidance, alongside the calming nose-inhale.
The preferred exhale of the Sacred Breath Method is done through the mouth (although with modified versions it can be through the nose). This form of mouth exhale is akin to a deep sigh and release so the breather may let go and surrender even deeper in their process and journey.
Other forms of breathwork utilize mouth inhales and mouth exhales. This form of breathing can lead to hyperventilation and can lead to oxidative stress in the body. These tend to be a more “yang” approach to somatic unwinding. Mouth inhales can bypass the essential foundations of nervous system regulation.
Womb/Hara Breathwork
Utilizing the Sacred Breath Method, I also guide diaphragmatic breaths into the womb or hara. The focus of our energy practice is to move this womb/hara energy and circulate it through the body. There are various methods to directing this breath, and most often your womb/hara will guide you to exactly where this energy is needed.
The breath is a powerful force to increase light within the body and allow for deep somatic release. It is encouraged in our ceremonies for you to move and vocalize as you feel called. This may look like screaming, yelling, crying, orgasmic/ pleasure sounds, etc. A powerful portal exists within the womb/hara and the throat. To verbally express freely can be a powerful way to move stagnant energy and trauma out of the body. One may also feel called to move during ceremony by either shaking, undulating, kicking etc. ALL IS WELCOME HERE. It is of utmost importance for you to be able to move and speak freely to allow for any frozen aspects of the body and energy body to truly release.
Because of this, it is encouraged for your breathwork ceremony to be held in a space where you can feel safe to truly express as needed. I will be facilitating you through this process and holding compassionate space for whatever may arise.
Typical Ceremony
In your 2.5-3-hour Womb/Hara Breathwork ceremony, we will begin by opening sacred space and setting intentions for the ceremony. I will guide you through a womb/hara meditation (or embodiment practice) to begin to connect in deeper with your womb/hara. The breathwork itself will be a total of 1-1.5 hours, which includes my guidance in coming back to a normal breath as well as a significant amount of time for rest to recalibrate. The remaining time I am here for your integration where we can discuss your process and I can offer any guidance or steps for you moving forward.
Contraindications
Disclaimer: Because this breathwork ceremony can promote strong physical and emotional release, it is not advised for persons with a history of cardiovascular disease, including angina or heart attack, high blood pressure, glaucoma, retinal detachment, osteoporosis, significant recent physical injuries or surgery. This ceremony is also not advised for persons with severe mental illness or seizure disorders or for persons using major medications. It is unsuitable for anyone with a personal or family history of aneurisms.
It also not advised for those taking regular medication which alters brain chemistry (i.e ADD medication, anti-anxiety, anti-depressant, OCD medication, etc) [We can discuss utilizing a modified breath if you are currently taking any medications] Those who are pregnant are advised against this ceremony (or with a modified breath). Persons with asthma should bring their inhaler and consult with me prior to the ceremony. Please let me know if you currently have any diabetes and/or kidney disease. It is highly recommended that breathwork is modified
Next Steps
I highly encourage you to book a free 30 minute consult call so we may discuss how a Womb/Hara Breathwork ceremony can support you to deepen into your healing and awakening path. If you have any of the contraindications listed above we may discuss other forms of womb/hara healing that may be suitable for you.