I’m Going To Be Vulnerable
Living with multiple chronic conditions has taught me one important lesson: healing is not just about medicine, it’s about finding ways to support my body and mind holistically. Breathwork has become one of my most valuable tools for managing my health, helping me navigate everything from chronic pain and fatigue to anxiety and dysautonomia.
My Journey with Breathwork
I first discovered breathwork when I was searching for ways to ease stress and anxiety. I was already dealing with celiac disease, MGUS, dysautonomia, and a variety of other health challenges, and I needed something that could help me feel more grounded. What started as a tool for relaxation quickly turned into a powerful practice that supports me in ways I never expected.
In 2022, I became a certified breathwork instructor, deepening my understanding of how the breath influences our nervous system, energy levels, and overall well-being. Now, breathwork isn’t just something I teach, it’s something I rely on daily to manage my health.
How Breathwork Helps Me
1. Managing Dysautonomia and Fatigue
Dysautonomia affects how my autonomic nervous system regulates essential functions like heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion. It often leaves me feeling dizzy, fatigued, and out of sync with my body. Breathwork techniques like coherent breathing (inhaling and exhaling for equal counts) help stabilize my nervous system and improve circulation, making it easier to manage the unpredictable symptoms.
On days when fatigue is overwhelming, I use energizing breathwork techniques, like the Bellows Breath (Bhastrika Pranayama), which increases oxygen flow and wakes up my system without relying on stimulants.
2. Pain and Chronic Inflammation Management
Living with chronic pain means constantly looking for ways to soothe my nervous system. Extended exhalation breathing helps shift my body from a state of fight-or-flight to rest-and-digest mode, reducing overall tension and pain sensitivity. One of my favorite methods is 4-7-8 breathing (inhale for four counts, hold for seven, exhale for eight), which calms my nervous system and relieves pain flare-ups.
3. Supporting My Immune System
With MGUS and other immune-related issues, I need to be mindful of inflammation and stress, which can weaken my body’s defenses. Alternate nostril breathing (Nadi Shodhana) is one of my go-to techniques for balancing my nervous system and reducing stress-induced inflammation. It also improves oxygenation, which supports my immune function.
4. Easing Anxiety and Stress
Anxiety has been a long-term struggle for me, especially when dealing with medical uncertainty. Breathwork helps me regulate my emotions in the moment, preventing stress from spiraling out of control. Box breathing (inhale for four counts, hold for four, exhale for four, hold for four) is my favorite technique when I feel overwhelmed. It’s simple, effective, and helps me feel more in control.
5. Enhancing Sleep Quality
Chronic illness can wreak havoc on sleep, but breathwork has helped me improve my rest naturally. I use progressive breath relaxation, where I breathe deeply while mentally scanning and relaxing different areas of my body. This practice helps ease muscle tension and quiet my racing thoughts before bed.
Breathwork Is for Everyone
Breathwork has given me a way to connect with my body and regain a sense of control over my health. While it is not a cure, it iss a powerful tool that complements my medical care and helps me feel more resilient. Whether you’re managing chronic illness, stress, or just looking for ways to feel more balanced, breathwork is an accessible and effective practice.
If you’re curious about how breathwork can support your health, I offer guided breathwork sessions through Inspired Breathworks. Let’s breathe together and find more ease in the body—one breath at a time.
Want to Learn More?
I would love to help you explore breathwork as part of your wellness journey.
Breath is life, and learning how to use it with intention can be truly transformational.
