You hold the power to overcome your addiction and live a more fulfilling life, right under your

nose -- through breathwork! Everyone breathes, and you likely take your breath for granted.
Most of the time we inhale and exhale without even thinking about it. Breathwork is a cutting
edge therapy derived from ancient practices. When we bring consciousness to our breath
patterns, profound shifts can occur. Conscious Connected Breathwork is a breath pattern which
brings you into a deeper connection with your body. When you practice conscious connected
breathwork you enter an altered state of consciousness where your body’s innate self healing
capacity takes over. You become more aware -- conscious of previously unconscious patterns
and beliefs which have been affecting you and driving your addictive behaviors.

*Steven (name changed) decided to try breathwork to overcome his addiction to alcohol. He
couldn’t understand why he continued to drink every night after work, even though he hated it.
Before the end of our ten breathwork sessions together, he had given up alcohol, cigarettes,
and quit his high stress job. Steven discovered, as do most people who practice conscious
connected breathwork, a deep sense of self love and compassion. Once you (re)connect with
your internal resources and remember your self worth, you tend to make new choices.

Addiction is a side effect to stress and trauma. You reach for food, alcohol, sex, overexcercise,
shop, or other things, because you want to either (a) feel good, or (b) not feel. Initially it can
help, but over time we become physically and emotionally numb. Your addiction may destroy
relationships and livelihood. Conscious Connected Breathwork is a ​somatic therapy​, helping to
heal and integrate experiences in a gentle way. Because addiction is driven by unconscious
beliefs, you must become conscious of those underlying beliefs in order to heal. Because of its
efficacy, breathwork is being integrated into recovery centers and programs worldwide.

Several studies show that conscious connected breathwork is an effective form of therapy.
Breathwork is gaining popularity, I believe, because we need it now more than ever. However,
breathwork is not a new form of therapy. Wilhelm Reich, a German psychotherapist, developed
a form of breathwork in the 1920’s. Breathwork experienced a surge in popularity in the 1970’s
when ​Holotropic Breathwork​ was developed by Dr. Stanislov Grofm and ​Rebirthing Breathwork
was developed by Leonard Orr. These two modalities share similarities, and are where
conscious connected breathwork derives from.

Various things can happen during and after a breathwork session, including:
● Physical sensations, varying in intensity (including tightness of the face and extremities,
particularly the hands).
● Gentle or strong emotional release.
● Release of stored trauma and trigger patterns.
● Varying degrees of body temperature, feeling really hot or cold.
● Shaking or movement.
● Profound feeling of love and compassion for self.
● A feeling of oneness with people and nature.
● A sense of a spiritual experience.
 ● Relief from stress and anxiety.
● Expanded awareness, seeing things in a new way.
● Improved health and sleep.
● Deeper connection to the body.
● Becoming more attuned with your emotions.
● Finding internal resources and becoming empowered.

How to practice Conscious Connected Breathwork

Conscious Connected Breathwork is an open mouthed breathing technique. We focus on a
strong (longer) inhalation and a softer (shorter) inhalation, with no pause between inhales or
exhales. Focus on your breath pattern at the start of your practice, then let yourself fall into your
own natural rhythm with this breath. You will experience physical sensation and may become
lightheaded, so it is important to lie or sit down while practicing conscious connected
breathwork. This is a relatively safe practice, though there are some contraindications to be
aware of (certain heart and psychological conditions such as schizophrenia and bi-polar
disorder, seizure disorders, or difficult pregnancy). I recommend finding a skilled practitioner to
lead you through this practice the first time you try it. This work can be done on a one to one
basis or in groups, in person and virtually.

I believe due to the effectiveness of breathwork with regard to addiction (and more), combined
with how easily accessible it is (you can practice anywhere, anytime), we will continue to see it
rise in popularity. Huma Breath is dedicated to sharing the power of breathwork with people
everywhere.

Short Bio:
Lisa McNett is a Certified Holistic Health Practitioner, international breathwork facilitator,
bodyworker, and yoga instructor dedicated to supporting people through the process of peeling
away accumulated stress and reconnecting with their personal power and purpose. Lisa works
with individuals and groups in person and virtually, as well as leading workshops and retreats in
the US and abroad. She is the founder of Breathe with Lisa, located in Gainesville, FL.
www.breathewithlisa.com