The secret to success and optimal health is a regulated nervous system.
That's it, that's the key.
Because when you're calm and grounded (which let's be honest, is DIFFICULT in a 24/7 always-on, hyper-connected world)....
Your body's processes divert away from survival mode and find their way back to balance. Boosting your metabolism, hormone health, immunity, gut health and so much more...
And the best part is, once your body returns to its natural rhythms you begin to cultivate the energy, clarity and confidence you need to be seen for who you truly are - as your authentic, radiant, fullest expression of self.
You start becoming who you were born to be.
One of the best ways to do get there is breathwork (and no, it doesn't have to be the scary, intense, Wim Hof style type, it can actually be very calm and relaxing).
It's one of the modalities I use in my somatic healing course, The Restore Challenge, because it's incredibly powerful and effective.
How does breathwork regulate the nervous system?
Vagus Nerve Activation:
The Vagus nerve, a key player in the mind-body connection, acts as a neural bridge between the brain, heart, gut, and immune system (amongst others). Somatic breathwork focuses on ‘toning’ or fortifying this nerve. By engaging in intentional breathing patterns, especially slow and controlled breaths, you stimulate it and enable your body to shift from the sympathetic “fight or flight” response to the parasympathetic state of “rest and digest” - helping your body feel ‘safe’ and creating a physiological state that supports emotional release.
Heart Rate Variability (HRV):
Slow, rhythmic breathing enhances Heart rate variability (HRV), indicating a balanced nervous system and greater emotional resilience. Improved HRV is also associated with a smoother transition between the "fight or flight" and "rest and digest" responses, improving emotional regulation.
Cortisol Regulation:
Slow breathing has been shown to lower cortisol levels (your primary stress hormone) which is a biomarker of emotional stress. As cortisol levels decrease, the body moves away from a heightened stress state, allowing for a reduction in the emotional intensity associated with stored traumas and enabling your body’s physiological processes to focus on balance (homeostasis), not ‘survival’.
Altered States and Release of Emotional Energy:
Faster (or sympathetic) breathing techniques, such as those found in the Yogic Tradition, involve increased air volume and altered blood chemistry. This leads to temporary physiological changes, such as alkalosis, which may manifest as tingling or numbness. Research suggests that these altered states are harmless and may contribute to the release of stored emotional energy.
Ready to breathe some life back into your goals and build your dream life?
Join the hundreds of women inside my 30-day guided somatic healing course, Restore Challenge.