About Breathwork

Conscious connection with breath helps us become present with ourselves by increasing awareness of the felt sensations of our bodies. While choppy, shallow breathing can disrupt this natural rhythm and lead to physical, emotional and mental discomfort, rhythmic, slow breathing encourages calm and peaceful states of mind.

For centuries, breathwork techniques have been used as tools for self-awareness, relaxation, and overall well-being. Though breathwork has roots in Eastern practices such as yoga, Tai Chi, and meditation, many cultures have recognized the deep connection between breathing and vitality. Linguistically, this connection appears in various languages— for example, in Latin, "spiritus" refers both to breathing and to life force, while in Greek, "pneuma" similarly means both breath and energy.

Modern breathwork techniques emerged in the 1960s and 1970s during a period of increased interest in consciousness and personal development. Methods such as Holotropic Breathwork and Rebirthing Breathwork were introduced, each with different focuses—some aimed at deep relaxation and self-awareness, while others explored altered states of consciousness. Rebirthing Breathwork, developed by Leonard Orr, centered on processing early-life experiences, including birth-related trauma. Holotropic Breathwork, created by Dr. Stan Grof and Christina Grof, was based on research into consciousness and non-ordinary states of awareness.

Since then, breathwork therapy has continued to evolve. In 1991, Jacquelyn Small founded Integrative Breathwork, which built upon Holotropic principles with a therapeutic approach. Clarity Breathwork, introduced in 1999, expanded on Rebirthing Breathwork to incorporate broader applications for trauma healing and personal growth.

BREAKTHROUGH IN THERAPY

“We have been able to confirm repeatedly Wilhelm Reich’s observation that psychological resistances and defenses use the mechanism of restricting the breathing. Respiration has a special position among the physiological functions of the body. . . . Increase of the rate and the depth of breathing typically loosens the psychological defenses and leads to release and emergence of the unconscious(and superconscious) material.”

Stanislov Grof, M.D., Ph.D creator of Holotropic Breathwork “The Adventure of Self-Discovery”

Biodynamic Breathwork and Trauma Release

The Method of Biodynamic Breathwork and Trauma Release® (BBTRS) is a new approach to body-oriented therapy. It consists of thoroughly chosen specific breathing patterns, conscious movement and dance, specialised techniques of touch and bodywork as well as exercises releasing tension from inside of the body, gentle emotional release techniques, exercises in self-awareness and meditation practices. Their thoughtful combination into an integrated flow allows the release of long-held trauma from the body and mind.

The Method of Biodynamic Breathwork and Trauma Release© was developed by Given Tonkov after over 20 years of exploration, learning and experience with clients individually and in groups. The goal of the BBTRS is to break through multilayer body armour, and by doing so also release the body, mind and nervous system on a mental, emotional and physiological level.

The result of the BBTRS can be a transformation of deeply-seated developmental and social patterns. The Method allows one to experience the full spectrum of sensations and emotions available to a human being and at the same time developing their capacity to support and embrace a free flow of life energy.

The BBTRS consists of 6 main elements, which give support in releasing trauma and in integrating body and mind.

  1. Deep, connected breathing.

  2. Body and touch work (resources, supporting somatic expression).

  3. Conscious emotional expression.

  4. Movement and dance (including exercises releasing muscle tension).

  5. Sound.

  6. Meditation.

The Method of Biodynamic Breathwork and Trauma Release:

  • it creates resilient and dynamic experience, deeper than in the case of traditional therapies

  • it strengthens the body’s natural process to heal from beginning to the end

  • it releases chronic tensions and restructures systems on the cellular level

  • it allows for an intimate connection with oneself and others

  • it allows one to feel the full scale of emotions, impressions and fully celebrate life

  • it uses the power of all body systems

  • it supports the unique needs of your body at any moment

  • it allows one to deepen one's understanding of trauma and gain the following professional skills in releasing it from the body

To find out more visit https://biodynamicbreath.com/

“A person who doesn’t breathe deeply reduces the life of his body. If he doesn’t move freely, he restricts the life of his body. If he doesn’t feel fully, he narrows the life of his body. And if his self expression is constricted, he limits the life of his body”

From the book “Bioenergetics” by Alexander Lowen