Breathwork

What to expect

• Live on Google Meet. Cameras are optional.

• A short intro, then a guided breathwork session, seated or lying down, followed by time to rest and notice how you feel.

• You set the pace. Pausing, softening your breath, or breathing normally is always okay.

• Sharing is optional, out loud or in the chat. You never have to talk about your feelings.

• Group classes are quiet by default. If you’d like music, you’re welcome to listen along on your own headphones.

• You might feel tingling, lightheadedness, warmth, or heaviness. These are common and pass.

Want breath plus writing or reflection? Those sessions happen at Retreat Days and select workshops.

Already meditate?

Breathwork is a natural partner to meditation. Most meditation doesn’t ask you to change your breath; breathwork guides it on purpose to shift how your body and mind feel, then settles into rest. If you meditate daily, you may love the quiet sessions, where the rest at the end feels a lot like meditation. Try music sometimes too, or when I suggest it. Sound has its own benefits.

Getting ready for your session

• Book for first thing in the morning or late afternoon/evening. Calming classes are lovely before bed.

• Come on an empty stomach, ideally 3–4 hours after a meal.

• If you’re exercising or doing yoga that day, do it before breathwork.

• Find a quiet room with fresh air that isn’t drafty, and avoid sitting right under a fan or air conditioning.

• Wear loose, comfortable clothes and keep a blanket nearby.

• Blow your nose before class. We breathe mostly through the nose.

• Test Google Meet ahead of time, and have headphones ready if you want music.

• Afterward, give yourself a few quiet minutes before jumping back into your day.

Before you book

Breathwork is gentle for most people, but not every practice suits every body. I’ll always offer a softer option, and you can slow down or stop at any time.

Please check with your doctor (or therapist) before joining if you have:

• A heart condition, irregular heartbeat, or high blood pressure that isn’t well managed

• A history of heart attack, stroke, mini-strokes (TIAs), or aneurysm

• Epilepsy or a history of seizures

• Glaucoma or a detached retina

• Severe asthma, COPD, or another serious lung condition

• Pregnancy

• Recent surgery or injury, especially to the head, neck, back, abdomen, or jaw

• Severe osteoporosis

• A history of psychosis, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia; severe anxiety or panic attacks; or PTSD that isn’t currently being treated

• Active addiction or substance use

• Medications that may change how your body responds, especially psychiatric medications

Breathwork isn’t the right choice during a medical emergency or a mental health crisis. If you’re in crisis, please call emergency services or 988 (US).

Feeling sick? If you’re unwell or having any breathing discomfort (a cold, a cough, congestion), please book for when you’re feeling better. Not sure? Reach out and we’ll figure it out together.

If you smoke or vape: You’re welcome to practice. Just know that smoking or vaping anything (tobacco, nicotine, or cannabis) changes how a breathwork session feels. If you can, take a break for a few days beforehand; even about three days can make a real difference in how your session feels.

Good to know: Breathwork is a wellness practice, not a substitute for medical or mental health care. I’m a certified breathwork teacher, not a doctor or therapist.

Led by Kristina Bautista, who completed Loka Yoga School’s 50-hour breathwork teacher training.