A recent surge in breathwork courses, books, and online searches has led to the commodification of air as an essential resource. In various forms, breathing exercises are touted as a key to unlocking one's "fullest human potential," promising benefits ranging from stress relief to deep personal growth. But is there any scientific basis for these claims?
While there is evidence that controlled breathwork can have physiological effects on the autonomic nervous system and influence mood, some techniques are more dubious than others. For example, rapid breathing methods, such as those used by Wim Hof, may lead to a hypoxic state that allows individuals to hold their breath for extended periods. Research has shown that these techniques can reduce inflammation in the body and increase pain thresholds.
However, experts caution against overhyped claims about breathwork's benefits. "The complication of having altered states involved is that sometimes people genuinely have transformative experiences, but it's uncontrolled a lot of the time," says Dr. Vince Polito, a senior lecturer at Macquarie University. Moreover, some techniques can lead to destabilizing experiences or even adverse effects.
Moreover, concerns are raised about the commercialization of breathwork, with courses and online programs charging hundreds of dollars for training that may not be grounded in rigorous scientific evidence. As Prof Mark Hutchinson notes, "breathing is free." While specific breathing exercises can be beneficial when done under proper guidance and supervision, overpriced and exaggerated claims about their benefits are alarmingly common.
Ultimately, it's essential to separate the hype from the evidence when it comes to breathwork. Rather than shelling out exorbitant amounts of money for unproven programs, individuals may benefit from more affordable, tried-and-true methods like diaphragmatic breathing or other established techniques that have been tested and proven effective.
The pursuit of a healthier, more fulfilling life should never come at the expense of critical thinking and discernment. As the adage goes: "please breathe responsibly."
While there is evidence that controlled breathwork can have physiological effects on the autonomic nervous system and influence mood, some techniques are more dubious than others. For example, rapid breathing methods, such as those used by Wim Hof, may lead to a hypoxic state that allows individuals to hold their breath for extended periods. Research has shown that these techniques can reduce inflammation in the body and increase pain thresholds.
However, experts caution against overhyped claims about breathwork's benefits. "The complication of having altered states involved is that sometimes people genuinely have transformative experiences, but it's uncontrolled a lot of the time," says Dr. Vince Polito, a senior lecturer at Macquarie University. Moreover, some techniques can lead to destabilizing experiences or even adverse effects.
Moreover, concerns are raised about the commercialization of breathwork, with courses and online programs charging hundreds of dollars for training that may not be grounded in rigorous scientific evidence. As Prof Mark Hutchinson notes, "breathing is free." While specific breathing exercises can be beneficial when done under proper guidance and supervision, overpriced and exaggerated claims about their benefits are alarmingly common.
Ultimately, it's essential to separate the hype from the evidence when it comes to breathwork. Rather than shelling out exorbitant amounts of money for unproven programs, individuals may benefit from more affordable, tried-and-true methods like diaphragmatic breathing or other established techniques that have been tested and proven effective.
The pursuit of a healthier, more fulfilling life should never come at the expense of critical thinking and discernment. As the adage goes: "please breathe responsibly."
I'm calling foul on this breathwork craze! 
It's all about profit over people, if you ask me 
They're selling unproven, overhyped courses for a pretty penny and preying on our desire to feel more relaxed and centered 
. Meanwhile, the scientific evidence just isn't there to back it up... or is it? 
I mean, some techniques can be beneficial when done right, but let's not forget that breathing is free – literally! 
It's time for a dose of critical thinking and some old-fashioned skepticism. We shouldn't be afraid to question the motives behind these commercialized breathwork programs. They're making money off our aspirational selves, without delivering on the promised benefits 
. Let's not get caught up in the hype and demand more transparency and accountability from these "experts" 
. After all, we have a right to know what we're getting into – and it shouldn't cost an arm and a leg! 
. I mean, don't get me wrong, if someone tells you that taking a few deep breaths will make all your problems disappear, it's probably just a bunch of hooey 
. I've tried some breathing exercises in my day and they're fine, but not a magic solution.
.
. Anyway, I'll stick with my trusty ol' diaphragmatic breathing – worked like a charm for me all these years 
.
like what's up with all these expensive courses? shouldn't we just have access to some basic breathing techniques that don't break the bank 
i'm not saying it's all bad or anything, but we need to be careful not to get caught up in the hype 
and just remember that there's always more to learn and discover 
and it's just like they think breathing is some magic pill or something 
i mean don't get me wrong, deep breathing can be super helpful but come on, let's not get carried away here 
So yeah, please breathe responsibly – and be mindful of your wallet too 
. Wim Hof's rapid breathing stuff sounds like a recipe for disaster to me - what if people get hurt trying to hold their breath too long? 
- but they're not backed up by actual research. We need to be more critical about this stuff, you know? Let's not get caught up in the hype and make sure we're making informed choices about our health and wellbeing 
. And yeah, I get it, diaphragmatic breathing is great and all, but can't we just stick with what works without overcomplicating things? 
That's not breathing, that's just crazy! 
I think its kinda wild how we're getting so worked up about 'breathwork' as if it's gonna unlock some hidden potential 
.
. Like, shouldn't breathing be free? 
. I've tried diaphragmatic breathing and it really works for me 
. Maybe we can just focus on the science-backed stuff instead of getting sucked into all the hype 
. It's like, if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is 
. we should be focusing on addressing systemic problems rather than chasing some quick fix or guru 
. It's all about context and guidance – you need someone who knows what they're doing to show you how to do it safely.
. It's like, if breathing is free (as Prof Hutchinson said), then why are we paying hundreds of bucks to learn how to breathe properly?