Question:
Dear Megan, thank you so much for all your wisdom and knowledge on breathwork that you share! I have read the article on intentional breath holds and the seizures that it may have caused. I myself have had two experiences where I had unintentional breath-holds after a long Conscious Connected Breathwork session, in which I ‘disappeared’ into a possible traumatic memory. One time I was doing breathwork at the couch and the next moment I was at the door, opening it in slight panic…
After two of these events I started to monitor what happened at the end of a session, and I noticed ‘disappearing’ and stopped immediately with breathing, and sitting up straight, with feet on ground. I stopped doing connected breathing and now only do Wim Hof breathing, which feels safer in a way…. yet when I read your article I am a little confused and also feel like have thrown away the baby with the bath water.
Answer:
Hi Marie, thank you for bravely sharing your story. It appears that you may have encountered dissociation, a protective trauma response that can manifest in challenging situations. The sudden “disappearance” and finding yourself in a different location, as you described, align with dissociative responses that can emerge when revisiting traumatic memories. It’s crucial to acknowledge that these occurrences are complex and may involve a range of psychological and physiological factors. This phenomenon can also be attributed to the release of repressed emotions and memories stored in the body, a common occurrence in connected breathwork.
Whatever the underlying cause, embracing conscious, connected breathwork (CCB) may hold the key to overcoming these struggles. Rather than avoiding it, I suggest exploring connected breathwork journeys under the guidance of an experienced trauma-informed facilitator who can provide support in reconnecting with your body and navigating the layers of trauma in a safe and titrated manner.
Your decision to switch to Wim Hof breathing as a perceived safer alternative is understandable, given your experiences. However, it’s important to note that conscious, connected breathwork is generally considered safe, provided individuals don’t have contraindications or intentionally hold their breath. On the contrary, caution is advised with breath-holding practices like Wim Hof, as there have been several reported instances of seizures associated with it.
Recognizing that different breathwork practices can elicit varying effects on individuals is crucial. What may work for one person might not be suitable for another. Seeking guidance from a knowledgeable facilitator or therapist can prove beneficial in navigating these experiences, aiding in the integration and processing of any challenging emotions or memories that may arise during breathwork sessions. Finding the right balance and approach is key to reaping the benefits of breathwork without compromising your well-being.
Hope this helps 🙂
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