Feeling stuck or overwhelmed, yearning for a natural path to emotional healing and personal growth? In this transformative episode of the Upward Spiral Podcast, I sit down with the incredible Dr. Marylene Henry (@zazyoga, @breathworkSingapore) to explore the profound power of breathwork and how it can unlock altered states of consciousness and release trapped trauma.

Join us as we delve into how your breath serves as a direct gateway to your emotions and autonomic nervous system, offering a unique tool for self-regulation and profound change. Dr. Henry, a true expert, illuminates various breath techniques for everyday use, from simple practices for anxiety management and achieving calmness, to more advanced modalities like Pranayama and Nadi Shodhana that balance the brain and quiet the mind. We emphasize the critical importance of understanding your nervous system and creating a safe environment for these powerful practices.

Key Takeaways from this Episode:

• Your breath is the only autonomic function you can consciously control, making it a powerful tool for self-regulation.

• Breath awareness can directly shift your autonomic functions, influencing your emotional and physical states.

• Breathwork encompasses a wide range of techniques, from simple belly breathing for relaxation to advanced Pranayama for mental balance.

• Understanding your autonomic nervous system is key to effectively using breath for anxiety management and energy regulation.

• Nadi Shodhana and other breath techniques can balance brain hemispheres and quiet the mind.

• Breathwork can unlock subconscious material, aid in trauma recovery, and facilitate profound emotional healing.

• Creating a safe space and surrendering control are essential for a fulfilling breathwork experience.

• My own journey illustrates the transformative power of breathwork in achieving personal growth and clarity.

Chapters: 

00:00 Introduction 

02:40 Understanding Breathwork: A Comprehensive Overview 

06:01 The Autonomic Nervous System Explained 

09:54 Breath Techniques for Energy and Calmness 

12:15 Breathing Techniques for Anxiety Management 

18:43 Exploring Nadi Shodhana and Its Benefits 

21:59 Pranayama: The Art of Breath Control 

24:49 Breathwork for Altered States of Consciousness 

28:32 Facilitating Breathwork: Creating Safe Spaces 

29:53 The Art of Conscious Connected Breathing 

32:08 Understanding the Stress Cycle in Breathwork 

35:50 Navigating Breathwork Experiences: Safety and Regulation 

40:35 Surrendering Control: The Journey of Breathwork 

46:58 Connecting with the Subconscious: Messages from Beyond 

52:34 The Healing Power of Breathwork: Personal Stories and Insights 

54:01 From Corporate to Healing: Michelle's Journey in Breathwork

If you're ready to unlock your full potential and create an upward spiral in your life, hit subscribe and join our community!

Listen to the full episode on your favorite podcast platform:

🎧 Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theupwardspiral

🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-upward-spiral-with-michelle-obrien/id1746250079

Connect with Michelle & Upward Spiral:

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/upwardspiral.podcast/

➡️ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@upwardspiral.podcast

🔗 LinkedIn (Podcast): https://www.linkedin.com/company/upwardspiralpodcast

🔗 LinkedIn (Michelle): https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellelauraobrien/

📸 Instagram (Michelle): https://www.instagram.com/michellemakesdecisions

Connect with Dr. Marylene Henry:

📸 Instagram: @zazyoga & @breathworkSingapore

🌐 Website: https://www.theyogahouse.sg/breathwork