What is Somatic Breath Therapy?
"Somatic Breath Therapy is freedom in the most astral sense. It provides a deep dive into the self and unburies the most beautiful flowers of human existence while killing the weeds that inhibit our spiritual growth. The experience provides a measurable and lasting effect that continues for years." ~ John Wilkinson, Steamboat Springs, CO
"Somatic Breath Therapy is freedom in the most astral sense. It provides a deep dive into the self and unburies the most beautiful flowers of human existence while killing the weeds that inhibit our spiritual growth. The experience provides a measurable and lasting effect that continues for years." ~ John Wilkinson, Steamboat Springs, CO
Somatic Breath Therapy is a therapy that is facilitated by a highly trained practioner to help a client return to a natural, innate breathing pattern that we are all born with. In response to various stresses and traumas throughout our lives, a frenzied lifestyle, and incapacity to give ourselves the time and space to recover and return to a natural state of relaxation and being, and what is called a highly developed neocortex in the brain, we lose our capacity to return to this natural connected breath which, in the animal kingdom is automatic and creates a natural reset in the right and left hemispheres of the brain, the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. Over time this creates imbalances such as PTSD, long term stress, anxiety, panic and depression, emotional pain and worry, lack of energy and/or motivation, focus and passion, overactive mind, and an inability to relax and or sleep.
What Really Causes Stress?
- The Perception that Something is Wrong
- Holding the Breath
- Sends a Signal to the Body that Something is Wrong (Whether it’s True or Not)
- Heart Rate Goes Up
- You Feel Inner Panic/Anxiety
- Body Senses Danger, Adrenals are Stimulated, Releasing Adrenaline into the System Which Raises Cortisol Levels
What if Nothing is Wrong?
- Shift in Perception Based on What is REALLY Happening in the Moment - Calling Yourself Back to Present Time
- Take a Deep Breath and Exhale (most important!)
What Are the Practical Uses for Somatic Breath Therapy?
- Body-Mind Therapy
- Personal Development
- Spiritual Enlightenment
As a Body Mind Therapy
Directly Addresses the Journey From:
"I was very skeptical going into my first breath therapy session with Cyndy. I knew I had anxiety issues. I knew the philosophy of breath therapy was sound. Oxygen supply to the brain is essential. I found myself feeling nervous during at the start of my first class. But, Cyndy helped me break past my personal barriers keeping me from concentrating. She showed me that I was gaurding the issues that were causing my anxiety. I had no idea that on a day-to-day basis I was holding my breath and causing my body to believe it was in a state of panic. Being aware of this has helped me tremendously in regaining control of my body and my internal state. I'm still on a journey to being anxiety-free. But, I am more confident than ever that I will get to where I want to be. Cyndy is intuitive, caring, and professional. She practices what she preaches. I will continue to do breath therapy for the rest of my life."
~ Madison Vander Well, Colorado Springs, CO
For Personal Development
- Restricted Breathing to Open Breathing
- Physical Dis-ease to Ease
- Personal Dysfunction to Function
- This approach of body-mind therapy involves a direct encounter with whatever physical, emotional and/or mental patterns have developed within the individual that are getting in the way of their breathing and living fully and easily.
- Conscious breathing sponsors a means to emotionally cleanse, purify and integrate body-mind imbalances (or suppressions) as a way of relieving tension and creating integrated and/or higher states of functioning.
"I was very skeptical going into my first breath therapy session with Cyndy. I knew I had anxiety issues. I knew the philosophy of breath therapy was sound. Oxygen supply to the brain is essential. I found myself feeling nervous during at the start of my first class. But, Cyndy helped me break past my personal barriers keeping me from concentrating. She showed me that I was gaurding the issues that were causing my anxiety. I had no idea that on a day-to-day basis I was holding my breath and causing my body to believe it was in a state of panic. Being aware of this has helped me tremendously in regaining control of my body and my internal state. I'm still on a journey to being anxiety-free. But, I am more confident than ever that I will get to where I want to be. Cyndy is intuitive, caring, and professional. She practices what she preaches. I will continue to do breath therapy for the rest of my life."
~ Madison Vander Well, Colorado Springs, CO
For Personal Development
Aims to uplift the body, mind and spirit of the individual toward new levels of personal performance and creative expression.
The empowering aspects of breathwork helps a client to explore new levels of personal expression, purposefulness and interpersonal communication within relationships.
"In 2007 I discovered Cyndy Clemens when a friend gave me a gift certificate for breathwork. I had never heard of her or her work before, but her information said something about it being better than sex, and since I had had some great sex in my life, I was more than willing to give this a go.
I can honestly say that it wasn’t only better than sex, but that it made my sexual experiences in the future of each session deeper and more gratifying because during the breathwork sessions I was able to get deeper and deeper into myself and the emotions that had been blocking me from experiencing a fuller and more vibrant life.
I went to Cyndy once a month for a year, and those experiences that flowed through me during her sessions affect me still to this day. Each session unearthed a part of my past that affected how I was showing up in my present, and the excavated knowledge, feelings, and energy created a void in which I was able to build anew with what worked better for me.
If I lived near Cyndy today I would be having regular sessions with her again because there are so many shifts and explorations showing up for me in this crazy thing I call my life, that I know with her assistance I would be able to really bust through with great energy, music, and an insightful facilitator who would lovingly walk me through the process. You cannot ask for more than that. It truly is an experience worth delving into. It cracks your world open for endless possibilities."
~ Jill Luigs, Artist, New York
The empowering aspects of breathwork helps a client to explore new levels of personal expression, purposefulness and interpersonal communication within relationships.
"In 2007 I discovered Cyndy Clemens when a friend gave me a gift certificate for breathwork. I had never heard of her or her work before, but her information said something about it being better than sex, and since I had had some great sex in my life, I was more than willing to give this a go.
I can honestly say that it wasn’t only better than sex, but that it made my sexual experiences in the future of each session deeper and more gratifying because during the breathwork sessions I was able to get deeper and deeper into myself and the emotions that had been blocking me from experiencing a fuller and more vibrant life.
I went to Cyndy once a month for a year, and those experiences that flowed through me during her sessions affect me still to this day. Each session unearthed a part of my past that affected how I was showing up in my present, and the excavated knowledge, feelings, and energy created a void in which I was able to build anew with what worked better for me.
If I lived near Cyndy today I would be having regular sessions with her again because there are so many shifts and explorations showing up for me in this crazy thing I call my life, that I know with her assistance I would be able to really bust through with great energy, music, and an insightful facilitator who would lovingly walk me through the process. You cannot ask for more than that. It truly is an experience worth delving into. It cracks your world open for endless possibilities."
~ Jill Luigs, Artist, New York
As a Practice for Spiritual Embodiment
Somatic Breath Therapy is utilized to aid an individual’s journey toward spiritual embodiment.
A natural by-product of circular or connected breathing is the stimulation of longer (Theta/Delta) brainwave patterns found during transcendent or meditative (deeply relaxed) states of consciousness and deep sleep.
The Therapeutic Practitioner often observes and must carefully attune to and negotiate the presence of what has been called “non-ordinary states of reality.”
Experiences can be extremely profound and usually benefits every aspect of and individual’s life experience.
A natural by-product of circular or connected breathing is the stimulation of longer (Theta/Delta) brainwave patterns found during transcendent or meditative (deeply relaxed) states of consciousness and deep sleep.
The Therapeutic Practitioner often observes and must carefully attune to and negotiate the presence of what has been called “non-ordinary states of reality.”
Experiences can be extremely profound and usually benefits every aspect of and individual’s life experience.
Other Uses for Somatic Breath Therapy
- Stress & Trauma Integration, PTSD
- Pain Management ~ Headaches, etc.
- Lack of Energy/Chronic Fatigue
- Digestive Ailments
- Heart Conditions
- TMJ
- PMS
- Sleep Apnea, Nightmares
- Asthma, Emphysema
- Panic Attacks and Phobias
- Anxiety and Depression/Dysthmia
- Feelings of Loneliness
- Lack of Motivation
- Emotional Instability
- Addiction Management & Recovery
- Mental Clarity
- Attention Problems
- Spiritual Disconnection
- Lack of Clarity in Life Direction
The Evolution and History of Breathwork
Ancient Practices
–China (Qi Gong)
–Tibet (Tantra)
–India (Pranayama)
Ancient Practices
–China (Qi Gong)
–Tibet (Tantra)
–India (Pranayama)
Leonard Orr
Rebirthing
Memories of birth surfaced while “processing” in hot tubs connected to breathing exercises, not the water exclusively.
Memories of birth surfaced while “processing” in hot tubs connected to breathing exercises, not the water exclusively.
Stanislov Graf
Holotropic Breathwork
Used to access “non-ordinary states of consciousness.
Used to access “non-ordinary states of consciousness.
Dr. Judith Kravitz
Transformational Breathing
Weaving multi-disciplinary (shamanic, etc.) knowledge of breath.
Weaving multi-disciplinary (shamanic, etc.) knowledge of breath.
Jeremy Youst
Somatic Breath Therapy/Power of Breath Institute
Combining connected touch with the Power of Breath for Self-Empowerment.
Board member of International Breathwork Training Alliance for establishing ethical and professional breathwork training standards
Combining connected touch with the Power of Breath for Self-Empowerment.
Board member of International Breathwork Training Alliance for establishing ethical and professional breathwork training standards
Cyndy Clemens
IBTA Certified Somatic Breath Therapy Practitioner, Life Purpose Coach and Life Empowerment Facilitator
reWrite Alchemy, LLC/Loving Breath, LLC
reWrite Alchemy, LLC/Loving Breath, LLC
- Certified under International Breathwork Training Alliance guidelines, receiving her certification in 2005 through the 2-year program at The Power of Breath Institute, located in Spofford, NH. She has been practicing Somatic Breath Therapy since 2003, and has maintained a private practice since her graduation. She also facilitates classes, groups, and workshops.
- Trained as Life Purpose Coach through Life on Purpose Institute from 2001 to 2002.
- Graduated from Earth Circle Ministries 2-Year Earth Circle Leadership Training and received her Ordination in 2008.
Why Consciously Breathe?
To Integrate Three Levels of Breath:
Body ~ Mind ~ Spirit
Level I ~ The Body ~ Opening the Breath
To Integrate Three Levels of Breath:
Body ~ Mind ~ Spirit
Level I ~ The Body ~ Opening the Breath
- Conscious breathing is a choice that creates conscious awareness in one’s body.
- Respiration is both autonomic and voluntary.
Conscious Breathing =
Conscious Living
The Three Parts of Breath
3 Components of Breath
- Connected/Circular
- Diaphragmatic
- Relaxed Exhale
Lower 1/3 of the Lungs Transfer MOST of the Oxygen
Delivering to an Area of 100 Sq. Meters
The Diaphragm
A SMOOTH muscle, designed to go on continually
vs
skeletal muscles – e.g. abdominal muscles or intercostal muscles that lift the ribcage – which tire and need rest. This is one of the main reasons for shallow and/or ineffective breathing.
The Medulla Oblongata is Stimulated by Connected Breathing
vs
skeletal muscles – e.g. abdominal muscles or intercostal muscles that lift the ribcage – which tire and need rest. This is one of the main reasons for shallow and/or ineffective breathing.
The Medulla Oblongata is Stimulated by Connected Breathing
Medulla Oblongata
↵
- Controls Autonomic Functions (such as breathing and blood pressure)
- Relays Nerve Messages from the Brain to the Spinal Cord
- Function Control of Sneeze ~ Cough ~ Swallow ~ Suck Reflex ~ Vomiting
Connected Breathing Balances:
Parasympathetic and Sympathetic Nervous Systems
Parasympathetic: controls involuntary and unconscious bodily functions
- Creates relaxation in the body
Sympathetic: part of the autonomic nervous system that is active during stress or danger
- Fight or flight response in the body
What Does the Breath Do?
The Three “70’s”
Approximately:
- Creates 70% of energy in the body
- 70% of toxins released thru breath
- 70% of breath is meant to be diaphragmatic
Thanks a MILLION! Every breath exchanges a million particles (6 million breaths per year).
Heart’s Code: The Heart adds it’s own “L” or unique quantum energy field to the O2/Prana before it goes to the cells.
Yawning and Stretching is another way the body seeks to get more oxygen
Why Do We Do Conscious, Connected Breathing?
Level II ~ The Mind: Clearing and Integration of the Subconscious
Suppressions: Where we put our stuffed feelings & traumas. Turning our conscious attention away from something because it feels bad and making it wrong in our minds.
CHILDREN suppress feeling memories in the body-mind, not just cognitively – BREATHWORK gives us access to those memories through ACTIVATION and INTEGRATION.
Emotions (energy in motion) and feelings: By facing the feelings in the presence of BREATH AWARENESS, you can integrate it.
Why Don’t We Breathe Fully?
TO SHUT OFF OUR FEELINGS!
And, as a learned behavior from:
•Stress
•Entrainment to parents’ breathing patterns
•Parental and cultural oppression and conditioning
•As a response to physical and emotional trauma and pain
•Coping patterns/habits of thought, etc.
Shallow Breathing Becomes a Deeply Ingrained Habit (not a good long term strategy!) in Dealing with Life
What You Resist Persists
Because the Body-Mind is seeking RESOLUTION
Yawning and Stretching is another way the body seeks to get more oxygen
Why Do We Do Conscious, Connected Breathing?
- Increases ENERGY! Less STRESS!
- Improves Blood Chemistry: Oxygenation and Oxidation
- Creates Internal Organ (and Heart!) Massage
- Better Release of Toxins (Approximately 70% Through Breath Alone)
- Assists Heart Function/Lowers Blood Pressure
- Increased Cellular Efficiency and Metabolic Activity
- Creates Brain Wave Patterns Similar to DEEP REST
- Strengthens Immune System, Better Lymphatic Drainage
- Improved Memory and Brain Function
- PRANA (first unit) into the Chakras and the Electromagnetic Body
Level II ~ The Mind: Clearing and Integration of the Subconscious
Suppressions: Where we put our stuffed feelings & traumas. Turning our conscious attention away from something because it feels bad and making it wrong in our minds.
CHILDREN suppress feeling memories in the body-mind, not just cognitively – BREATHWORK gives us access to those memories through ACTIVATION and INTEGRATION.
Emotions (energy in motion) and feelings: By facing the feelings in the presence of BREATH AWARENESS, you can integrate it.
Why Don’t We Breathe Fully?
TO SHUT OFF OUR FEELINGS!
And, as a learned behavior from:
•Stress
•Entrainment to parents’ breathing patterns
•Parental and cultural oppression and conditioning
•As a response to physical and emotional trauma and pain
•Coping patterns/habits of thought, etc.
Shallow Breathing Becomes a Deeply Ingrained Habit (not a good long term strategy!) in Dealing with Life
What You Resist Persists
Because the Body-Mind is seeking RESOLUTION
How Does Somatic Breath Therapy Work?
Integration:
How Does Breathwork Help Our Minds and Emotions?
Typical Holding (Control) Patterns
Level III ~ The Spirit: Connecting to Higher Levels of Awareness
Connected breathing leads to connected living. Relaxed, circular breathing creates a remembrance of inner spiritual connection and a prioritization of values according to the Soul’s purpose for being. This prioritization of value supports those choices that lead to conscious, authentic and integrated life experience.
Connected Breathing Creates Connected Living: To Self, others and the world.
Connected Breathing Creates a “Higher Vibrational” State = Conscious connection to Higher Self and God.
PERFECTION and JOY become understood as the normal states of being.
How Does Somatic Breath Therapy Create a Spiritual Effect?
Cutting Edge
With the current rise and support of professional and ethical standards of breathwork internationally, Therapeutic Breathwork shall soon be seen as the cutting edge to personal empowerment as well as an equally adjunct to psychotherapy and spiritual disciplines
Where Do We Go From Here? Is Somatic Breath Therapy Right For Me?
Do you Have a Set of Lungs???
Then the Answer is a Resounding YES!!
Want to find out what your options are? Schedule a free initial consultation now.
Integration:
- When the TRUTH Sets You Free!
- When You Can Perceive Something as Whole and Not Resist it or Make it Wrong
- Transforms Charged Memories into Simple Memories
How Does Breathwork Help Our Minds and Emotions?
- Integration of painful memories into simple memories!
- Freedom from mental CONTROL. More TRUST!
- Clearing out of emotional blocks and baggage
- Better relaxation, more ease, grace, mental clarity/FOCUS
- Release of depression and/or anxiety
- Increased creativity and spontaneity
- Increased sense of well-being and understanding
- Personal Empowerment and strength of WILL through INTENTION
Typical Holding (Control) Patterns
- Shallow or ineffective breathing
- Chest or upper chest breathing
- Lifting the shoulders
- Will driven (3rd chakra)
- Holding tension in the diaphragm
- Forcing, controlling, or blowing exhale
- Tightening or constricting of throat or jaw
- Rocking the body or jaw while breathing
- Mechanical breathing
Level III ~ The Spirit: Connecting to Higher Levels of Awareness
Connected breathing leads to connected living. Relaxed, circular breathing creates a remembrance of inner spiritual connection and a prioritization of values according to the Soul’s purpose for being. This prioritization of value supports those choices that lead to conscious, authentic and integrated life experience.
Connected Breathing Creates Connected Living: To Self, others and the world.
Connected Breathing Creates a “Higher Vibrational” State = Conscious connection to Higher Self and God.
PERFECTION and JOY become understood as the normal states of being.
How Does Somatic Breath Therapy Create a Spiritual Effect?
- Connection to Soul’s purpose and feelings of fulfillment
- Prioritization of values according to Soul’s purpose
- Deeper insights and understandings of life
- More openness to mystical experiences
- Sense of interconnectedness to all things
- Easier access to inner knowing and higher dimensions of being
- Awareness of Oneness and miracle of life
Cutting Edge
With the current rise and support of professional and ethical standards of breathwork internationally, Therapeutic Breathwork shall soon be seen as the cutting edge to personal empowerment as well as an equally adjunct to psychotherapy and spiritual disciplines
Where Do We Go From Here? Is Somatic Breath Therapy Right For Me?
Do you Have a Set of Lungs???
Then the Answer is a Resounding YES!!
Want to find out what your options are? Schedule a free initial consultation now.
