BREATHWORK

When a rabbit encounters a predator, its breath pattern changes dramatically: it will begin holding its breath or hyperventilating. Humans respond in the same way when threatened. While this is a normal physiological reaction for short periods of time and when actual threats are present, problems begin when that state of alarm becomes chronic due to PTSD and/or modern lifestyles. 

In breathwork at Family Counseling & Trauma Healing Center, we use clinically studied techniques of conscious breathing to help clients 1.) Become more aware of their emotional state, through learning how to understand the language of their breath 2.) Retrain their breath pattern to be light, consistent, and diaphragmatic, so as to signal to the rest of their nervous system that they are safe, and 3.) Return to a sense of centeredness, even amidst feelings of acute distress.

The human body is constantly using breath to change its state, but most of us never notice and almost none of us understand what the changes mean. With every sigh, yawn, or gasp, your body is leveraging the power of your breath to better meet the demands of the present moment. Through Breathwork, we learn to better understand our emotions via understanding the language of our breath—and we learn to consciously use our breath in ways that habituate more adaptive states of peace, relaxation, strength, and connection.

CHANGES YOU MIGHT EXPERIENCE THROUGH BREATHWORK

Client’s experiences vary in what the most prevailing benefit of breathwork is.  Some clients share that they have a substantial reduction in feeling anxious or depressed.  Deeper sleep, a stronger immune system and an increase of respiratory function are reported by other clients.  More measurably some clients report that their blood pressure has stabilized.  An improved outlook on one’s future, an increase in energy and improved circulation are other reported benefits.  Individuals who suffer from chronic pain or who may be recovering from surgery or an injury have utilized breathwork to help manage and reduce pain levels.  Through the practice of breathwork any combination of these benefits may be experienced.  

Santa Ynez Valley

The Trauma Healing Center is located in the heart of the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley.  When the Trauma Healing Center opened in 2019 we recognized that being centrally located to all of the residents of Santa Barbara County was an important consideration. We are located on the outskirts of Solvang, surrounded by other healers within the community.  Our location is easily accessible and provides plentiful parking.