According to Dr. Judith Kravitz, who created and trademarked the Transformational Breathing technique, most of us breathe at only about 20 percent of our capacity. Such shallow breathing can lead to fatigue, depression and disease. Noticing and deepening your breath oxygenates your cells and releases negative energy so you can clear physical, emotional and mental blocks and live a fuller life.
History
Dr. Kravitz developed Transformational Breathing in the late seventies to help heal herself from throat cancer. Rather than rely on drugs and chemotherapy, this mother of eight drew upon her experiences in various schools of conscious breathing, kundalini yoga, body mapping and sound healing. She founded the Transformational Breath Foundation, wrote the book "Breathe Deep Laugh Loudly: The Joy of Transformational Breathing" and has a doctorate in metaphysic studies.
Influences
Dr. Kravitz's influences include two styles of conscious breath techniques. Holotropic Breathwork, developed by Dr. Stanislaf Grof and Christina Grof, takes you deeper into consciousness. Leonard Orr's Rebirthing helps you release memories held at the cellular level.
Benefits
Transformational Breathing works on physical, emotional, mental and spiritual levels. A regular practice can boost energy circulation, lymphatic drainage, detoxification and oxygen intake; reduce stress and depression; build self-esteem; release repressed emotions; and draw you deeper into a relationship with your inner spirit as you experience joy and inner peace.
Technique
Transformational Breathing includes setting an intention for what you want to create or enhance in your life and observing the quality of your breath. Such awareness of the energy you intake and release helps you let go of negative energy patterns and embrace freedom.
The process requires full, relaxed diaphragmatic breathing that flows steadily from inhalation to exhalation and back to inhalation with no pauses. As any discomfort or resistance arises, practitioners are encouraged to breathe through it and let it go.
Effects
The idea is that by breathing fully with awareness, you can clear blockages, past traumas and long-held patterns of negativity and consciously connect to higher aspects of yourself. Some Transformational Breathing students report that effects of their practice included, among other things, a tingly sensation, recalling past memories, experiencing deep emotions and discovering a sense of inner peace.
Facilitators
To properly learn the technique of Transformational Breathing, look for a practitioner in your area. After a few sessions, you will be able to practice on your own.
