Beginner’s Guide to Breathwork: Start Here, Breathe Easier.
What is breathwork? Breathwork is a set of simple, guided breathing techniques that help your body shift from stress mode to rest-and-repair. Think of it as a nervous system reset you can access anywhere—no special gear required. In our sessions we pair steady breathing with music and mindful awareness to support calm, clarity, and grounded energy. Breathwork benefits (beginner-friendly) Stress relief & mood support: Slower exhales cue the vagus nerve, easing the “fight or flight” response. Better sleep & focus: A calmer nervous system can make it easier to fall asleep and stay present during the day. Body awareness: Gentle breath rhythms help you notice tension, soften it, and reconnect with your baseline calm. Looking for a deeper experience? Explore our Transformative Breathwork class—guided, supportive, and suitable for first-timers. What to expect in a class? You’ll arrive to a quiet, welcoming space. Your guide will explain the technique, set intentions, and play chakra-attuned music to support a calm rhythm. You’ll be invited to journal or create a small piece of art afterward—simple integration that helps insights “stick.” Safety first: Breathwork is gentle, but it’s still a somatic practice. If you’re pregnant, have uncontrolled high/low blood pressure, glaucoma, serious cardiovascular or respiratory conditions, a history of seizures, or significant psychiatric concerns, please consult your clinician first and let your facilitator know. You’re always in charge—slower, softer, shorter is a perfectly valid way to practice. A 5-minute starter you can try today Time: 5 minutes Where: Chair or couch Goal: Nervous system reset Posture: Sit tall, feet grounded, jaw unclenched. Box breath (1 minute): • Inhale 4 • hold 4 • exhale 4 • hold 4 (repeat) Extended exhale (3 minutes): • Inhale 4 • Exhale 6–8. Keep the shoulders soft. Settle (1 minute): Breathe naturally. Notice one word that describes how you feel. Tip: If you feel light-headed, pause and return to normal breathing. Comfort over intensity—always. Pairing breathwork with herbs (calm, clear, steady) Herbs won’t “do the breathing” for you, but they can support the terrain—especially when you’re learning. We love starting with calming nervines and gentle adaptogens: Lemon balm or linden tea (pre-session): takes the edge off without drowsiness. Tulsi (holy basil) tea (daytime clarity): uplift + calm for focus breathing. Chamomile or passionflower (evening wind-down): pairs beautifully with extended-exhale drills. Explore our calming teas at the apothecary, or ask during class for a simple, personalized suggestion. FAQs How often should I practice?3–5 minutes daily beats one long session once a week. Stack it to something you already do (after brushing teeth, before opening email). Will I feel anything right away?Many beginners notice softer breath and less tension within minutes. Some benefits—like sleep support—emerge over a few days of consistent practice. Can I just do the 5-minute version?Absolutely. Short and consistent builds the skill—and your nervous system thanks you for it. Join us! Ready for guided support? Our Transformative Breathwork class blends breath, music, and a safe, reflective space so you can experience a deeper reset. Pair your session with a calming tea from our apothecary to keep the ease going.
