Avry Vranesh-Chubelashvili

Annotated Bibliography

Professor Dawn Augusta

4/7/23

Breathwork Annotated Bibliography

About the Author B Grace Bullock B Grace Bullock, and B Grace Bullock B Grace Bullock.

“What Focusing on the Breath Does to Your Brain.” Greater Good,

https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/what_focusing_on_the_breath_does_to_your_

brain.

This study seeks to understand how the brain responds to different breathing exercises. It

was found that when breathing fast, activity in the amygdala was increased, which shows

that fast breathing triggers a stress response. When we follow a rhythm with our breath,

this helps to regulate our nervous system, focus our attention, and build body awareness.

By using our breath, we can reduce our level of fear and anxiety.

Ashton, Megan. “The History of Breathwork - Alchemy of Breath.” Alchemy of Breath:

Breathwork Training and Events, 29 Oct. 2022, https://alchemyofbreath.com/the-history-

of-breathwork/.

The origination of breathwork can be found in many ancient cultures. Some religions use

breathing techniques to alter consciousness, healing, and self exploration. In more modern

times, starting around the 1960s, holotropic breathwork and rebirthing began. Holotropic

breathwork was the practice of breathwork towards the end of an LSD trip. This was
 before the drug was illegal. The discovery was that self-healing could be achieved by using

the breath. Rebirthing was discovered by sitting in a tub of water experimenting with deep

breathing patterns. The connection between the breath and the warm water helped to

connect with trauma and understand how it affects us. These two types of breathwork that

were discovered in the 60s is what bridges the gap between ancient breathwork practice

and todays many variations of breathwork practices.

“Breathing Exercises.” Physiopedia, https://www.physio-pedia.com/Breathing_Exercises.

This article reviews the different types of breathwork and how each technique can help the

body in different ways. The types of breathwork that are described are deep breathing,

diaphragmatic breathing, pursed lips breathing, box breathing, pranayama, mindful

breathing, and cardiac coherence breathing. By using breathwork techniques, the ration of

oxygen to carbon dioxide in the body changes. This makes the body less mentally and

physically reactive to emotional triggers, anxiety, and fatigue.

Zaccaro, Andrea, et al. “How Breath-Control Can Change Your Life: A Systematic Review on

Psycho-Physiological Correlates of Slow Breathing.” Frontiers in Human Neuroscience,

U.S. National Library of Medicine, 7 Sept. 2018,

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6137615/.

This scientific study focuses on the psychological and physiological effects that are

observed during breathwork and meditative practice. Deep breathing promotes change in

the nervous system, specifically the autonomic and central nervous system. These changes

increase activity in parts of the brain that promote a more balanced feeling. These changes
create calmness, alertness, and comfort as well as reduced symptoms of anxiety,

depression, and anger. These changes were observed in a scientific study, proving that

chemical changes happen when we practice breathwork.