Trauma is often stored in the body in ways that the mind cannot easily access, which is why talking through trauma with a therapist alone may not lead to lasting healing. Despite years of therapy, many people still find themselves triggered or activated because trauma is held in the subconscious and within the body, not just in the mind. This disconnection from the body and emotions can keep unresolved trauma lodged in the nervous system, muscles, and tissues. One powerful tool for unlocking and processing these deeply held traumas is Trauma Release Breathwork, particularly through Conscious Connected Breathing (CCB). This form of breathwork induces non-ordinary states of consciousness, allowing individuals to release suppressed emotions, clear energetic blockages, and promote rapid and deep healing.
What is Conscious Connected Breathing?
Conscious Connected Breathing, a cornerstone of trauma release breathwork, involves a continuous, circular breath where the inhale and exhale are seamlessly linked without pauses. This technique intentionally activates the sympathetic nervous system, which is typically associated with the body’s “fight or flight” response. While we usually enter this state involuntarily during stressful or traumatic experiences, trauma release breathwork allows us to deliberately engage the sympathetic state in a safe and controlled manner. This process enables us to access and release deeply held tensions and traumas that are stored within the body.
When we consciously activate this state, we are better able to process the emotional and physiological residues of past trauma. Additionally, this type of breathing alters brainwave patterns, slowing activity in the prefrontal cortex and bypassing the ego and typical conscious thought processes. As a result, we can access unconscious memories and emotions that may have been locked away, facilitating healing and emotional release.
The continuous flow of breath in CCB leads individuals into an altered state of consciousness, often accompanied by emotional breakthroughs, physical sensations, visions, and vocal and physical releases. In these non-ordinary states, repressed memories and unresolved trauma can surface, providing the opportunity to process and integrate these experiences in a safe, supportive environment.
How CCB Induces Non-Ordinary States of Consciousness
Non-ordinary states of consciousness refer to altered states where the individual’s typical perception of reality is altered. These states are often associated with profound insights, emotional release, and healing. In the context of trauma release breathwork, the continuous breathwork alters the oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the body, affecting brain function and the nervous system.
Research has shown that controlled breathing techniques can induce shifts in brainwave activity, increasing the presence of alpha and theta waves, which are linked to relaxation, creativity, and access to unconscious material. In a study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology (2013), controlled breathing practices, including CCB, were found to have a positive effect on emotional regulation, reducing anxiety and improving psychological resilience in participants.
Trauma and the Body
Trauma often manifests as physical symptoms that can linger long after the original event. According to Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, a prominent trauma researcher and author of The Body Keeps the Score, trauma is stored in the body and can result in chronic pain, muscle tension, and other somatic symptoms. The nervous system plays a key role in how trauma is processed, and if not addressed, these experiences can become ingrained in the body’s response mechanisms.
Trauma release breathwork, particularly Conscious Connected Breathing, allows the body to release stored trauma by bypassing the mind’s defenses and engaging the autonomic nervous system, which governs automatic bodily functions like heart rate and respiration. This process helps release the “fight, flight, or freeze” responses associated with past traumatic experiences, allowing the body to return to a state of balance and healing.
The Benefits of Trauma Release Breathwork:
- Emotional Release: One of the primary benefits of trauma release breathwork is its ability to facilitate emotional release. By engaging in a continuous breath cycle, individuals can access repressed emotions, which may range from sadness and anger to fear or shame. The release of these emotions can lead to a sense of relief and emotional clarity.
- Increased Body Awareness: Trauma release breathwork encourages participants to connect more deeply with their bodies, helping them identify where trauma is stored. This increased awareness can lead to more mindful living and the ability to respond to emotions and stress in healthier ways.
- Reduction of PTSD Symptoms: Breathwork, particularly CCB, has been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In a study published in Frontiers in Psychology (2017), participants who practiced trauma release breathwork techniques, including CCB, reported significant reductions in PTSD symptoms, including anxiety, intrusive memories, and hypervigilance.
- Activation of Healing States: CCB stimulates the release of endorphins and other neurochemicals that contribute to feelings of well-being and relaxation. This biochemical shift can help reduce the physical symptoms of trauma, such as muscle tension and chronic pain, and promote a sense of peace and emotional equilibrium.
- Deepened Spiritual Connection: Many practitioners of trauma release breathwork also report experiencing a heightened sense of spiritual connection. As they release stored trauma and surrender to the process, they may experience moments of deep clarity, oneness, or insight. These moments can be a key part of the healing journey, offering individuals new perspectives and a sense of emotional and spiritual renewal.
Supporting Studies on Trauma and Breathwork
Several studies have highlighted the efficacy of trauma release breathwork techniques in healing:
- A 2014 study in Psychiatry Research found that conscious, controlled breathing exercises, significantly reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression in individuals with PTSD.
- In a 2015 study published in the International Journal of Yoga Therapy, participants who engaged in trauma release breathwork practices, including CCB, demonstrated improved psychological flexibility and emotional resilience, key factors in trauma recovery.
- A 2020 review of breathwork practices in trauma therapy, published in Traumatology, found that breathwork techniques consistently helped individuals release stored trauma and alleviate symptoms associated with PTSD, including dissociation and emotional numbness.
Closing Thoughts on Trauma Release Breathwork
Trauma release breathwork, particularly through Conscious Connected Breathing, is a powerful tool for healing. By inducing non-ordinary states of consciousness, CCB allows individuals to access and process deeply held emotional and physical traumas in a safe, supportive environment. As the body and mind reconnect, suppressed emotions and memories can surface, offering an opportunity for profound healing and emotional freedom.
For those who have experienced trauma, trauma release breathwork provides a pathway to emotional liberation and a deeper connection to the body. With continued research and personal testimonials supporting its efficacy, this breathwork technique stands as a promising modality for those seeking healing from the past and a more harmonious present.
Ready to Embark on a Powerful and Empowering Healing Journey?
If you’re ready to experience the transformative power of Conscious Connected Breathing, you can book an online breathwork or in-person session with us by clicking here. For those who have already felt the profound effects of trauma release breathwork and are eager to deepen their own journey of growth and healing, we offer a comprehensive Trauma-Informed Breathwork Facilitator Training. This international program equips you with the tools to guide others on their path of transformation. Find out more about our certified trauma-informed breathwork facilitator training, click here.
Trauma Release Breathwork Article Sources:
- Journal of Clinical Psychology (2013). “The Role of Controlled Breathing in Emotional Regulation.”
- van der Kolk, Bessel. The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma. Penguin Books, 2014.
- Frontiers in Psychology (2017). “Effects of Breathwork on PTSD: A Pilot Study.”
- International Journal of Yoga Therapy (2015). “Breathwork Practices in Trauma Recovery.”
- Traumatology (2020). “Breathwork as a Tool for Processing Trauma: A Review of Current Research.”
