The Best Breathwork Classes + Studios in San Diego
WIth a wide range of wellness benefits, breathwork has the potential in supporting the mind, body and soul. Check out this article to find out what style is right for you and check out our list of San Diego's top breathwork studios.
What is Breathwork?
"Breathwork" is an umbrella term for any type of therapeutic or alternative healing practice that uses the breath to improve mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. The main goal of breathwork is to help people access deep levels of relaxation, release stress and tension, and promote feelings of happiness and peace.
Benefits
There are many potential benefits of breathwork, including reducing stress and anxiety, improving sleep quality, boosting energy levels, increasing self-awareness, and promoting emotional balance. Additionally, breathwork has been shown to help people heal from trauma, manage chronic pain, and overcome addiction. Some research even suggests that breathwork may have anti-aging effects.
Types of Breathwork
There are many different types of breathwork, each with its own unique benefits. Some of the most popular types include:
Holotropic breathwork
This type of breathwork was developed by Stanislav Grof and uses deep, rapid breathing to induce an altered state of consciousness. Holotropic breathwork is said to have a wide range of mental, spiritual and physical health benefits and some research suggests its potential in reducing an existential life crisis.
Rebirthing
Rebirthing was popularized by Leonard Orr and uses a similar deep breathing technique to holotropic breathwork. However, rebirthing also incorporates elements of visualization and affirmations. It is said to be helpful in reducing PTSD, chronic pain, improving self-esteem, and increasing self-awareness.
Transformational breathwork
Developed by Dr. Judith Kravitz, Transformational breathwork uses a combination of deep breathing and conscious awareness to help people transform their lives. It is said to be helpful in healing past traumas, expanding awareness, and developing spiritual gifts.
Pranayama
Rooted in yoga, pranayama uses controlled breathing techniques to improve overall health. According to research, it can support multiple aspects of physical health, including lung function, blood pressure, and brain function.
Shamanic breathwork
Shamanic breathwork uses a combination of deep breathing, chanting, and drumming to induce an altered state of consciousness. It is helpful in releasing past traumas, stagnant emotions and reawakening your creative self.
Wim Hof Method
Developed by the Dutch extreme athlete Wim Hof, this type of breathwork uses a combination of deep breathing, cold exposure, and meditation to improve overall health. The Wim Hof Method is said to be supportive in reducing stress, improving sleep quality, and boosting energy levels.
DIY Beginner Exercises
Not ready to join a group or want something more simple? Here are 4 easy breathwork exercises for a healthier and more luminous you.
Box breathing
This simple breathwork exercise can be done anywhere. To do box breathing, simply breathe in for four counts, hold your breath for four counts, breathe out for four counts, and hold your breath again for four counts. Repeat this cycle for five to ten minutes.
Diaphragmatic breathing
This exercise is also known as belly breathing and is said to be helpful in reducing stress and anxiety. To do diaphragmatic breathing, place one hand on your stomach and the other on your chest. As you inhale, allow your stomach to expand while keeping your chest relatively still. Exhale slowly and repeat for five to ten minutes.
Pursed lip breathing
Pursed lip breathing is a type of diaphragmatic breathing that is often used by people with COPD or other respiratory conditions. To do pursed lip breathing, breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth while pursing your lips. Repeat for five to ten minutes.
4-7-8 breathing
This breathing exercise was popularized by Dr. Andrew Weil and is said to be helpful in reducing anxiety and promoting sleep. To do the 4-7-8 exercise, breath in for four counts, hold your breath for seven counts, breathe out for eight counts, and repeat the cycle for five to ten minutes
Breathwork in San Diego
A Deep Space
A Deep Space™, San Diego's first hypnosis and breathwork studio, has recently opened in Kensington. Hypnotic Breathwork classes are offered twice a week as well as hypnotic sound baths + 1:1 sessions.
Breathe Degrees
San Diego's first studio dedicated to breathwork, Breathe Degrees leads breathwork classes that closely follow the Wim Hof method of breathwork combined with cold plunge exposure. The Carlsbad-based studio also offers yoga classes, infrared sauna and other services for its clients + members.
Holotropic Breathwork San Diego
Offering private and groups sessions, Holotropic Breathwork San Diego also has breathwork immersion workshops.
Huff & Chill
This new boutique breathwork and cold plunge studio in Coronado offers guided breathwork classes combined with a quick cold plunge in a mini-ice bath at the tail end.
Pilgrimage of the Heart
Offering yoga classes, workshops and retreats, Pilgrimage of the Heart in Normal Heights has a pranayama teacher training for those who are interested.
Saffron and Sage
With an extensive service menu, Saffron and Sage in Little Italy offers 60-min breathwork session to their members and non-member clients.
Sojourn Healing Collective
Offering a variety of workshops and classes, Sojourn Healing Collective in Golden Hill holds in-studio breath work classes and occasional breathwork workshops.
Thru The Heart
Offering private in-person breathwork sessions, Thru the Heart also offers online classes.
Valkyrie Yoga
Ocean Beach's newest yoga + wellness studio, Valkyrie Yoga offers daily breathwork sessions alongside its yoga + soud healing classes.
San Diego Breathwork Events, Workshops + Retreats
Many local studios in San Diego offer special breathwork workshops in a variety of techniques. Browse our Events Calendar to see what's on!
The Beauty of Breathwork
Breathwork is a powerful tool that can be used to improve mental, physical, and emotional well-being. If you're looking to try breathwork, there are many different types to choose from. Plus, there are many studios in San Diego county that offer classes and workshops. If you're not sure where to start, try one of the beginner exercises above.
____________________________
DISCLAIMER: This article is for informational purposes only. It is not, nor is it intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem without consulting a qualified healthcare provider.
Looking for More Wellbeing Resources?
Explore our Events Calendar for upcoming yoga events, meditation classes and wellness workshops around San Diego. Or browse all of our Wellbeing articles for the latest wellness news and trends!
More from Guides
View All Guides
