FAQS

General Breathwork Questions

  1. What is breathwork?
    Breathwork is a conscious breathing practice that helps regulate the nervous system, release stored emotions, and promote deep relaxation. It is a powerful tool for reducing stress, anxiety, and emotional blockages while enhancing overall well-being.

  2. How does breathwork work?
    Breathwork employs specific breathing techniques to activate the body's natural healing response. By altering breathing patterns, we can shift our state of mind, process emotions, and access deeper levels of awareness. Research indicates that breathwork influences brain wave activity, shifting from high-frequency beta waves (associated with active thinking and stress) to alpha and theta waves (linked to relaxation, intuition, and deep healing states). This transition facilitates deeper introspection and emotional processing (Lomas et al., 2021).

  3. What are the benefits of breathwork?
    Breathwork can help reduce stress and anxiety, improve emotional regulation, enhance mental clarity, release tension and trauma, boost energy levels, and promote a sense of inner peace and balance. It helps to balance the nervous system, improve vagal tone and alter brain waves. 

  4. How Breathwork Affects the Nervous System, Vagal Tone, and Brain Waves

Breathwork significantly impacts the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary body functions like heart rate and digestion. Slow, deep breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes relaxation and reduces the body's stress response (Saoji et al., 2019). By engaging in breathwork, individuals can lower cortisol levels, regulate heart rate variability (HRV), and improve emotional resilience.

Additionally, breathwork influences brain waves, which correspond to different mental states:

  • Beta waves (13-30 Hz): Associated with active thinking, problem-solving, and stress.

  • Alpha waves (8-12 Hz): Linked to relaxation, creativity, and light meditative states.

  • Theta waves (4-7 Hz): Connected to deep meditation, intuition, and emotional healing.

  • Delta waves (0.5-3 Hz): Occur during deep sleep and restorative processes.

  • Gamma waves (30-100 Hz): Related to heightened awareness, peak cognitive performance, and deep spiritual experiences.

Studies show that breathwork techniques help shift brain activity from high-beta dominance (stress and overthinking) to increased alpha and theta wave activity, which are associated with relaxation and introspection (Zaccaro et al., 2018).

5. What is Transformational Breathwork (Conscious Connected Breathing)?
Transformational Breathwork, also known as Conscious Connected Breathing (CCB), is an active breathing technique where the inhale and exhale are connected in a continuous, rhythmic pattern without pauses. This practice helps release stored emotions, regulate the nervous system, and access altered states of consciousness. Studies suggest that CCB can shift brainwave activity into alpha and theta states, promoting deep relaxation and emotional processing (Lomas et al., 2021). However, it can be an intense practice and is not suitable for everyone. 

6. Is breathwork safe for everyone?
Breathwork is generally safe, but some techniques, such as Transformational Breathwork (Conscious Connected Breathing), may not be suitable for individuals with certain health conditions. Contraindications include:

    • Epilepsy

    • Pregnancy

    • COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) or severe respiratory conditions

    • Bipolar disorder or schizophrenia

    • Heart conditions, including high blood pressure not controlled by medication

If you have any of these conditions or other medical concerns, please consult your doctor before practicing breathwork. I also offer gentler breathwork techniques that may be more suitable for your needs.

Breathwork Sessions with Amanda

  1. What happens in a private breathwork session?
    In a private session, we begin with a discovery conversation about what’s been coming up for you, followed by guided breathwork tailored to your needs. The session concludes with integration time to reflect and debrief. 

  2. What is the difference between an Initial Discovery Session and a Follow-Up Session?
    The Initial Discovery Session (1 hour 45 minutes) is for first-time clients and includes a deeper intake process to understand your history and intentions. The Follow-Up Session (1 hour 30 minutes) is for returning clients to continue their breathwork journey.

  3. What should I expect after a session?
    You may feel deeply relaxed, energised, or emotionally lighter. Some people experience emotional releases, insights, or a heightened sense of clarity. It’s important to stay hydrated and allow time for integration. Breathwork may also enhance neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to rewire itself by forming new neural connections, which can support long-term emotional and mental well-being (Tang et al., 2022).

  4. How many sessions do I need?
    Everyone's journey is unique. Some feel a shift after one session, while others benefit from a series of sessions for deeper healing and transformation. I offer Breathwork Bundles to support your journey.

Logistics & Booking

  1. Where do sessions take place?
    In-person sessions are held at Ease Wellness in Summer Hill (Inner West Sydney) , and I also offer online sessions for those who prefer to practice from home.

  2. What should I wear and bring?
    Wear comfortable loose clothing. Have a water bottle, lip-balm and a journal close by too. A journal is optional. However, many clients feel the need to record their experiences immediately after the session.

  3. How do I book a session?
    You can book directly here or contact me for any questions and availability.

  4. Can I do breathwork if I have anxiety or past trauma?
    Absolutely! If you’ve ready my story, you’ll know I experienced anxiety from a young age. As a trauma-informed facilitator, I provide a safe and supportive space for you to explore breathwork at your own pace. We will tailor the practice to what feels right for you.