Why Learn Breathwork? The Science, Benefits, and Power of Breathwork Training

This article was originally published in 2023. It has since been revised and expanded.

Breathwork is one of the most direct ways to shift your physical, emotional, and mental state. From calming the nervous system to unlocking creativity and resilience, breath is a potent ally in times of stress, transition, and transformation.

This isn’t new. Cultures around the world have worked with breath for millennia—through pranayama, shamanic journeying, focused attention, and healing rituals. What’s new is the modern rediscovery of breath’s power, supported by science and needed more than ever.

🔹 A Thread That Connects Everything

Over the years—through coaching, leadership work, plant medicine, and movement—I kept finding one thing beneath it all: the breath.

It wasn’t an add-on. It was the thread. The constant. The entry point into clarity, regulation, and real change.

I’ve trained in a variety of breathwork systems—each with its strengths. From the science-backed structure of Oxygen Advantage to the rhythmic, music-based flow of SOMA Breath, and the deep ceremonial breath journeys I encountered in Peru, I’ve woven a system that honours all of it while staying true to the body’s innate intelligence.

🔹 The Role of Rhythmic Breathing

Rhythmic breath—especially when paired with movement, sound, and intention—can deeply influence the nervous system. It activates the parasympathetic state (rest, digest, and repair), stabilises heart rate variability (HRV), and supports emotional balance.

Guided breath journeys that incorporate rhythm, breath holds, and visualisation have been shown to:

• Reduce anxiety and stress

• Improve focus and HRV coherence

• Support emotional release and integration

These principles are found in many systems—from yogic pranayama to HeartMath and modern sports breathing.

🔹 Rest, Regulation & Resilience

Techniques like:

• 4:8 breathing

• Alternate nostril breathing

• AUM toning

• Functional nasal breathing (à la Oxygen Advantage)

…are accessible tools that help shift the body into a deeply restorative state. They’re the antidote to sympathetic overdrive—and they support everything from better sleep to emotional processing.

🔹 Breath as a Creative Catalyst

Breathwork doesn’t just calm. When used intentionally, it can energise. Techniques that include safe breath holds, bandhas, and sound stimulation create mild, adaptive stress that sharpens the mind and opens creative channels.

This isn’t about control—it’s about aliveness. About tuning into the body’s own intelligence and accessing a wider range of states: clarity, purpose, inspiration, and flow.

🔹 Breath for Everyone—With Respect to the Body

Not all breath techniques are for everyone. Certain styles may not be suitable for those with cardiovascular conditions, pregnancy, or mental health concerns. That’s why I tailor my approach: some sessions focus on gentle coherence; others go deep into altered states.

Safety and sovereignty come first.

🔹 What People Are Saying

Whether in 1:1 coaching, group journeys, or corporate sessions, the feedback is clear:

✨ More energy and clarity

✨ Deep emotional release

✨ Increased resilience and self-awareness

✨ A renewed connection to purpose

This is why I do what I do.

Tim Snell is a Coach, Consultant and Licensed Breathwork Instructor & Breath Coach.

He specialises in helping people create rapid change in their life through a unique combination of life, leadership and breath coaching.

He incorporates breathwork and universal wisdom into his work to deliver lasting change in people's lives.

He leads a virtual events each month and delivers virtual (and live) sessions to corporations that are committed to improved health and creativity.