In the animated film adaptation of Dr. Seuss’s *The Lorax*, a story about the repercussions of greed, air becomes a tradeable product. The mayor of Thneedville restricts his community’s access to trees so that his company can sell bottled air, boasting that it’s “fresher” than the unpleasant outdoor variety.
Interestingly, a recent surge in courses, books, and online interest suggests that the practice of breathing itself has also been turned into a commodified activity. Both online and in-person breathwork sessions are popping up, some charging hefty fees to teach people a fundamental skill: breathing.
The touted benefits of these sessions range from well-supported claims, like stress relief, to more dubious assertions that they can lead participants to “unlock their fullest human potential” or “access states of healing most people never touch.” But is there really a superior breathing technique? And do the benefits hold up under scrutiny, or are they just superficial claims?
What is breathwork?
Defining breathwork as a wellness movement isn’t straightforward. Dr. Vince Polito from Macquarie University notes that various breathwork methods and techniques are constantly emerging. “Changing your breathing can have genuine physiological effects,” he explains, referring to its potential impact on the autonomic nervous system, responsible for functions like heart rate and blood pressure, and how it can even affect mood.
Some practices involve slowing one’s breathing for relaxation, while others may require faster breaths, altering oxygen availability in the body. Not all techniques are equal; for example, diaphragmatic breathing promotes deeper breathing and can lower physiological stress markers like cortisol levels.
Resistance breathwork seeks to strengthen the diaphragm, enhancing lung capacity. A meta-analysis indicated that breathwork might improve stress and mental health, though it urged caution regarding overstating its effects.
What are the risks and benefits?
Mark Hutchinson, a professor at Adelaide University, finds it interesting that the body’s urge to breathe isn’t just about needing oxygen—it’s fundamentally about expelling carbon dioxide. This concept is key to the Wim Hof method, which includes rapid breaths followed by breath-holding, creating a low-oxygen condition that allows for prolonged breath retention.
Research suggests that Hof’s approach, which combines breathing exercises, meditation, and cold exposure, may have benefits like reduced inflammation and increased pain thresholds. Hutchinson is currently examining whether the Wim Hof method can alleviate pain for women suffering from endometriosis.
However, experts caution that methods such as the Wim Hof technique must be practiced under the supervision of healthcare professionals, particularly for individuals with respiratory issues. There’s a pressing need for more thorough research to establish evidence-based guidelines.
‘Breathing is free’
Polito notes that popular breathing exercises can sometimes lead to altered states of consciousness, which might explain the extraordinary claims surrounding breathwork. He acknowledges that while some may experience transformations, others could face destabilizing episodes, especially in uncontrolled environments.
There’s also a commercial aspect, with some breathwork promotions claiming benefits that lack rigorous empirical support. Hutchinson emphasizes that “breathing is free,” and while there may be valid techniques to explore, it shouldn’t come with exorbitant price tags.
When he sees people charging significant sums for services not backed by solid evidence, it raises alarms for him. In a nod to *The Lorax*, he suggests: “Please breathe responsibly.”
