Breathing is a thing we do without thinking; it keeps us alive. But there is far more to this most basic of biological functions. Conscious breathing can reduce stress, anxiety and depression and prevent insomnia. Christiane Brems, author and clinical professor in psychiatry and behavioural sciences, describes where to start if you’d like to develop a practice of conscious breathing.
How far back does the practice of conscious breathing go?
The art and science of breathwork has been an important part of human life for more than two millennia. Grounded in ancient histories and a variety of human contexts (from philosophy, to healing arts and science, to spiritual practice), breathwork includes various techniques aimed at harnessing the power of breath.
