This is by no means a comprehensive list, but some of the most commonly reported benefits include :

Immediate stress relief, reduction in anxiety, and deep relaxation

Relief from physical pain by increasing levels of endorphins

Increases energy, mental clarity, and cognitive performance

Enhances breathing function and immune system by detoxifying your body and revitalizing your organs

Emotional regulation

Releases trauma and stuck emotional energy

Improves sleep quality by regulating natural sleep/wake cycles

Connecting to your inner wisdom and intuition 

Access to expanded states of consciousness

Greater self love, joy, abundance, and inner peace

Breathwork is an incredible experience, but remember it's called breath WORK for a reason! Like doing anything new, you may experience some discomfort as you get used to the technique.  Real change happens outside your comfort zone. Working through resistance is part of the process for change that lasts. During a session, you may get some of these symptoms which I assure you are totally normal and harmless. 

Dizziness and feeling of being light headed

Tingling sensation in your hands, feet, and face. 

Muscle tightness in the hands and jaw. This is called Tetany and is a common (but harmless) physical response when our muscles involuntarily contract. You'll be guided through it, and it will subside as you build resilience.

Emotional release. This breathing pattern stimulates the limbic system in our brain which stores memories and emotions. This may include laughing, crying, intense feelings of love and joy, or screaming or yelling. It's all normal and welcome in this space. You may experience nothing at all. The key is to trust whatever experience you're meant to have, will happen. It's different every time and will give you exactly what you need. 

Vivid memories and/or visions. Many people experience powerful visions of light and/or colors. Sometimes memories will resurface from a session. 

Altered states, a deeper sense of connection to self, and self love.

Like most types of therapy, breathwork isn't appropriate for everyone. It can result in an intense physical and emotional release, therefore, it's not advised for persons with a history of the following :

Cardiovascular issues

High blood pressure

Recent surgery or injury

Anyone on heavy medication

Glaucoma

Pregnancy

Osteoporosis

Severe mental illness or psychosis

Frequent dizziness or vertigo

Aneurysms, epilepsy, seizures, or angina

Additionally, those who have experienced recent trauma or are in a highly sensitive state may not be appropriate candidates for breathwork.

I'd encourage you to consult with your physician before engaging in breathwork of any kind if you are unsure whether or not it's safe for you to practice. 

Here's what happens to your body during controlled breathing:

Your cells receive a higher amount of oxygen, which can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and stress.

Your brain produces more alpha waves, which are associated with feelings of relaxation.

Your ego dissolves by reducing activity in the prefrontal cortex, where our inner critic and sense of self live. This results in feeling less attached to our thoughts and quieting the noise of the mind.

Simply put, controlled breathing practices like the conscious connected technique can regulate the nervous system, quiet your inner critic, calm the monkey mind, get you out of fight or flight (yes, please!), balance your mood, and promote a deep sense of inner peace. 

You are able to override your "thinking" mind (ego) and tap into a deeper sense of knowing (intuition) due to "transient hypofrontality".  

Your nervous system responds by activating your parasympathetic (rest & digest) response, bringing a sense of calm and ease.

There's never been a negative incident reported from this style of breathwork. The technique is done lying down on your back, never in water or driving. Why? Because it's powerful and can create an altered state. 

Here's the key to remember. YOU are in control. If you ever feel it's too intense, you can ALWAYS take a pause, breathe through your nose, and resume the technique when you're comfortable. 

You can get off the ride at any time. You're in control, AND you can do it in the middle of a Wednesday afternoon when you're having a rough day, as I have done many times. 

The short answer is YES. If you don't have any major health problems and you're willing to put in some effort to transform your life, breathwork is definitely for you. 

Now. Don't overthink it or rationalize your way out. It doesn't matter where you're at in your life, now is the best time to start. All you need is the ability to breathe, a dose of curiosity, and to trust the technique.

Breathwork is different for everybody, every time. If this sounds like a lot, don't worry. It has changed my life and many clients lives as well. Don't take my word for it, try it and find out for yourself!