Breathwork vs Mainstream Psychology

In the contest of Breathwork vs Mainstream Psychology, Breathwork wins hands down. Why?

Mainstream psychology does not take into 1. the birth trauma 2. the inter-uterine experiences of the foetus. Never underestimate the imprint of what happened at your birth and through your gestation period inside your mother. It will lay the imprint for many of our self-talk and /or self-sabotaging behaviors later in life. And surprise, surprise, modern mainstream schools of psychology ignore it. To me, this is quite an omission given that Otto Rank published his book ‘The Trauma of Birth’ in 1924 (in German, then 5 years later in English). Otto Rank was Sigmund Freud’s right-hand man for over 20 years, but within a short time years later once Freud had determined that the book undermined his Oedipus complex theory, Rank distanced himself even more from Freud. In the end Rank was persecuted for daring to state that we should work with feelings in the ‘here and now’ and trace backward from there, rather than a gradual dig into repressed childhood memories. Rank worked with the playwright Henry Miller and the author Anais Nin who bother highly praised his work in Paris.

Right up until the 1990s, psychoanalytic practice was against the idea of dealing somatically with our ‘issues’.

And what’s all this got to do with Breathwork? Well, if you work with your clients to take clues from the body in the first instance as opposed to what your client tells you, you get better faster healing results.

Breathwork vs. Modern Psychology: A Comparative Exploration

The fields of breathwork and modern psychology represent two distinct but occasionally overlapping approaches to mental health and personal growth. While breathwork draws from ancient practices and holistic principles, modern psychology is rooted in empirical research and clinical methodologies. This article delves into the similarities, differences, and potential synergies between the two, providing insights for those seeking tools for self-improvement and healing.

Defining Breathwork and Modern Psychology

Breathwork refers to a variety of techniques that use controlled breathing to influence mental, emotional, and physical states. Practices such as Holotropic Breathwork, Pranayama, and Wim Hof Method are designed to tap into the body’s innate capacity to heal and regulate itself. Breathwork often integrates spiritual and somatic elements, emphasizing a holistic approach to well-being.

Modern Psychology, on the other hand, is a scientific discipline that studies mental processes, behaviors, and emotional states. Techniques like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, and mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) focus on understanding and changing thought patterns, behaviors, and emotional responses. Psychology prioritizes evidence-based practices validated through rigorous research.

Similarities

Focus on Regulation and Awareness: Both breathwork and modern psychology aim to enhance emotional regulation and self-awareness. Breathwork achieves this by altering physiological states through controlled breathing, while psychology employs tools like mindfulness and introspection.
Emphasis on the Mind-Body Connection: Psychology, especially in its newer modalities like somatic therapy, acknowledges the interplay between mental and physical health. Breathwork inherently operates within this framework, leveraging breathing to influence the nervous system and emotional states.
Stress Reduction: Techniques from both disciplines are widely used to alleviate stress. Breathwork directly activates the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation. Similarly, therapies like CBT and MBSR help individuals reframe stressful thoughts and cultivate calm.

Differences

Scientific Foundation: Modern psychology relies heavily on empirical evidence and clinical studies to validate its methods. Breathwork, while effective for many, is often criticized for its lack of extensive scientific validation, relying instead on anecdotal evidence and experiential reports.
Depth of Approach: Breathwork tends to focus on immediate physiological and emotional shifts, often leading to profound but transient experiences. Psychology’s approach is typically more systematic and long-term, aiming for sustained behavioral and cognitive changes.
Spiritual vs. Secular: Many breathwork practices have roots in spiritual traditions, emphasizing transcendence and holistic well-being. Modern psychology is generally secular, focusing on measurable outcomes and avoiding metaphysical interpretations.

Potential Synergies

Integration of Techniques: Combining breathwork with psychological therapy can enhance therapeutic outcomes. For example, incorporating breathwork into mindfulness practices or trauma therapy may deepen emotional processing and stress relief.
Addressing Gaps: Where psychology may fall short in providing immediate physiological relief, breathwork can offer rapid, tangible benefits. Conversely, psychology’s structured approach can help individuals integrate the intense experiences often associated with breathwork.
Personalized Healing: Both approaches recognize the importance of tailoring interventions to individual needs. A holistic model that incorporates both breathwork and psychological techniques can provide a more comprehensive path to healing.

Conclusion

Here at Inspired Breath, we can offer a very high level of professional training in Breathwork. Our next intake is on 6 July 2025. Please apply through the website. https://inspiredbreath.nycdiscoveries.com/breathwork-training-retreat/

Phil Morey, Inspired Breath