Any relaxation, healing or visualisation work that we do together will include some basic breath work. In addition, I can teach you some basic breathing techniques and we can practice together.

In general breath work, the out-breath should be slightly longer than the in-breath, allowing the residue in the bottom of the lungs to be fully expelled. This will help to cleanse your system and will improve the functioning of all your physiological systems. As with any muscle, your lungs will get stronger as you practice these exercises, and you will feel the continuing benefit of conscious breathing in your life.

There are many types of breath work available, emanating from a variety of traditions. The yogic alternate nostril breath is an excellent basic technique for calming and centring oneself and is a good exercise to do each morning and evening. Square breathing is a common breath work technique, when you hold your breath after each inhalation and exhalation and each of the four parts of the square breath are of equal length, also calming and centring. There are also breathing exercises that are very energetic, such as those involving rapid arm movements synchronised to your in and out breaths, or those accompanied by contraction and expansion of your belly which is stimulating and warming. I can review any of these breath work techniques with you. Or, if you are too stressed to use a specific technique, just remembering to lift your heart to heaven and inhale fully can make you feel better.

It can also be helpful for you to tell me at each of our sessions whether or not you are remembering to breathe, and which exercises you are finding most helpful. Just knowing you are going to tell me about your practices will help you remember to do them.