What Is Breathwork? A Beginner’s Guide to Healing Through Breath
- Ana Lilia
- 6 days ago
- 4 min read
If you’ve been feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or simply disconnected from yourself, you might be overlooking one of the most powerful tools for healing and transformation: your breath. So, what is breathwork, and why is everyone talking about it?
As a breathwork and healing coach, I’ve guided thousands of people through this simple yet profound practice. In this post, I’ll walk you through what breathwork is, how it works, and why it might just be the missing link in your healing journey.
What Is Breathwork?
At its core, breathwork is an active form of meditation where you consciously control your breathing to shift your physical, emotional, and energetic state. Unlike passive forms of meditation where you observe your breath, breathwork invites you to participate.
Using a rhythmic two-part pranayama breathing technique, breathwork activates the parasympathetic nervous system—your body’s natural "rest and digest" mode. In just a few minutes, this conscious breathing practice can begin to lower your heart rate, quiet your racing mind, and invite a deep sense of calm.
So when someone asks you, what is breathwork? you can think of it as a way to use your breath intentionally to regulate your nervous system, access your subconscious, and release what no longer serves you.
How Does Breathwork Work?
Most of us go through life breathing in a shallow, unconscious way. But when we shift into a breathwork practice, we begin to access the full capacity of our breath—and in doing so, the full capacity of our being.
In my sessions, we use a simple two-stage breath. The first inhale is directed into the belly, the second into the chest, followed by an exhale through the mouth. This active breathing style increases oxygen in the body, stimulates circulation, and begins to break up stagnant energy—emotionally and physically.
When you breathe in this way for even just 10 to 15 minutes, you’ll start to notice sensations in your body. Some people experience tingling, warmth, or even emotional releases like crying or laughing. Others feel an overwhelming sense of peace or lightness.
Every session is different, but what remains consistent is that you leave feeling more connected to yourself.
What Are the Benefits of Breathwork?
When people discover what breathwork is, they’re often surprised by how many areas of life it impacts. Breathwork is a holistic healing tool that supports your body, mind, and spirit.
Here are just a few of the benefits:
Reduces stress and anxiety: Breathwork shifts your body out of fight-or-flight mode and into calm.
Heals emotional wounds: Breath opens the door to your subconscious, where old stories, grief, and trauma are stored.
Improves mental clarity: By flooding your brain with oxygen, breathwork clears brain fog and enhances focus.
Improves sleep: Many of my clients notice deeper, more restful sleep after a breathwork practice.
Boosts your mood: Breathwork triggers the release of endorphins, helping you feel lighter and more energized.
Enhances creativity: When the nervous system relaxes, inspiration flows.
What Does Breathwork Feel Like?
This is one of the most common questions I get. And the truth is, there’s no one answer. Each breathwork session is unique because you are unique—your emotions, energy, and nervous system are constantly shifting.
That said, some common sensations include:
Tingling or buzzing in the hands, feet, or face
Warmth or a wave of emotion
A release of tears or laughter
A feeling of peace, spaciousness, or lightness
Physical relaxation and emotional clarity
It’s normal to have big releases in one session and a more grounded, subtle experience the next. Your body gives you exactly what you need each time you breathe.
Why Should I Practice Breathwork?
I often say that your breath is your hidden superpower. It’s always available to you, and it doesn’t cost a thing. Yet most of us are never taught how to use it intentionally.
If you’re feeling like:
You’re holding it all together on the outside but unraveling inside
You’re tired of living in survival mode
You want to feel more present, calm, and alive
...then breathwork can support you.
Even five minutes of conscious breathing a day can shift your nervous system, lift your mood, and help you reconnect to your power.
As one of my clients, Alma, shared:
"The breathwork is so effective (and simple!) for moving out stress and anxiety. Ana has a sweet, gentle spirit and it is evident she really cares about the well-being of others and wants everyone to be able to live their best lives."
Getting Started With Breathwork
If you’re ready to try breathwork, I encourage you to start small. I created a free guided breathwork audio to help you begin.
This practice only takes 5 minutes and is designed to help you feel grounded and centered before you dive into your day.
If you’re curious to go deeper, I offer virtual and in-person breathwork sessions in Los Angeles, and immersive retreats that create a safe space for healing, release, and expansion.
Final Thoughts: What Is Breathwork Really About?
Breathwork isn’t just about reducing stress. It’s about coming home to yourself.
It’s about giving your body a voice.
It’s about unlocking the parts of you that have been buried under "I’m fine."
And most of all, it’s about remembering that healing doesn’t have to be complicated.
Sometimes, the answer is as simple as breathing.
So the next time someone asks you, what is breathwork?, you can tell them:
It’s the most powerful thing you’re not doing yet.
Ready to experience it for yourself? Book a private breathwork session in Los Angeles or virtual and breathe your way back to clarity, calm, and connection.
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