The exploration of the psyche and the pursuit of emotional healing have led the way to many innovative therapeutic practices. Among these, NeuroDynamic Breathwork has garnered attention as a powerful technique that combines breathwork, music, and authentic sharing of inner experiences for deep psychological and emotional breakthroughs.
What Is NeuroDynamic Breathwork?
NeuroDynamic Breathwork (NDB) is a form of active, expressive breathing to the accompaniment of evocative music. It is designed to access and release stored emotional trauma, subconscious patterns, and blocked energy from within the body and mind. Unlike traditional meditation or passive breathing exercises, NDB involves vigorous, rhythmic breathing while listening to a carefully curated playlist that takes breathers on a journey of the psyche.
The core premise of NDB is that by intentionally activating the breath and body, individuals can bypass mental defenses, access deeper layers of consciousness, and unlock insights and healing that might otherwise remain hidden.
Origins of NeuroDynamic Breathwork
Neurodynamic Breathwork was developed by Michael Stone and his team after detailed research of breathing techniques and the impact of different genres of music to go on an exploration of the psyche. It was inspired by shamanic practices, somatic therapy, holotropic breathwork, and energy work. It integrates scientific understanding of neuroplasticity (the brain’s ability to rewire itself) with ancient healing modalities.
The practice was designed to help people release unresolved trauma, improve emotional regulation, and reconnect with their authentic selves.
How does a NeuroDynamic Breathwork Session Work?
Preparation
A safe container is created by way of an intro- talk that outlines the process, the guiding principles and what a participant can expect to experience – physically, emotionally and sometimes even spiritually. This sets the tone for the breath and music journey.
Guidelines for Safety
All participants, especially first timers are directed to breathe either sitting or lying down and try not to stand up unless they absolutely need to. They are told to keep drinking water, tissues, extra pillows and anything else they need, close at hand.
Contra-indications
All participants are pre-screened for the medical contra-indications –
1. Epilepsy.
2. BP not controlled by medication.
3. Heart condition not resolved by medication or surgery.
4.Certain psychiatric medications (prescription to be reviewed)
5. Recent surgery under general anasthesia.
6. Glaucoma / Retinal detachment
7. Pregnancy
Guided Relaxation
Breathers are guided to relax their bodies and minds, to let go of their expectations and give their bodies full permission to express themselves via moving, stretching and making sounds as they surrender to the process.
Breath and Music Journey
A musical feast of rhythm and melody encompassing multiple genres of music is played as breathers take deep cyclic breaths to enter an expanded state of awareness. In this state they release energetic blocks of stored trauma from their bodies and minds, have visions or sensations of psycho-dynamic content ready to be fully felt and released.
Sharing Circles
The last and most important part of the breathwork session is integrating what breathers experience in expanded states into their everyday consciousness. NDB facilitators are rigorously trained to hold space for breathers to share aspects of their journey that moved them and led them to profound realisations. While it is a non-directive (non-diagnostic) process, a facilitator’s presence provides the entire group the opportunity to integrate their experience and partake of deep healing from the group energy.
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