Why Your Breath Holds the Key to Emotional Healing: A Beginner’s Guide to Somatic Breathwork

Have you ever felt like your emotions were trapped in your body—like stress, sadness or anger were living in your chest, your gut, or your throat? You’re not imagining it. Our emotions don’t just exist in the mind—they’re deeply rooted in the body. And one of the most powerful ways to access and release them? Your breath.

Welcome to the world of somatic breathwork: a simple, body-centred practice that’s helping people across the UK (and worldwide) release stuck emotions, heal past trauma, and reconnect with themselves in a deeper, more grounded way.

In this beginner’s guide, we’ll explore how breathwork works, why it’s such a powerful tool for emotional healing, and how you can get started—right from your living room.

What Is Somatic Breathwork?

Somatic breathwork is a therapeutic approach that uses conscious breathing techniques to release emotional tension held in the body. The word somatic means “relating to the body”, and this kind of breathwork is rooted in the understanding that emotional pain is often stored physically—not just mentally.

Unlike meditative breathing or mindfulness, which focus on calm awareness, somatic breathwork often involves deeper, rhythmic breathing that may lead to physical sensations, emotional release, or cathartic experiences. It’s dynamic, expressive, and incredibly healing.

You don’t need to be spiritual or “woo” to benefit. Breathwork is both ancient and modern—blending wisdom from traditions like yoga and Taoism with modern neuroscience and trauma research.

How Emotions Get Trapped in the Body

Ever been so stressed your shoulders tightened? Or so anxious your stomach churned? That’s your nervous system responding to emotion. When emotional experiences are overwhelming—especially in childhood or times of trauma—we often suppress or freeze them. The body holds on to those patterns, even if we forget the cause.

Here’s what typically happens:

• A strong emotion or experience arises (grief, fear, anger).

• If we can’t express or process it, the body stores it as tension or holding.

• Over time, this builds up as chronic stress, fatigue, or emotional numbness.

Somatic breathwork gently helps you revisit and release those held emotions. It bypasses the thinking brain and goes straight to the nervous system—the seat of your felt experience.

Why Breath Is the Bridge Between Mind and Body

Your breath is the only bodily function that’s both automatic and under your control. That makes it a powerful tool.

When you change your breathing, you directly influence your:

• Heart rate and blood pressure

• Nervous system regulation (sympathetic vs. parasympathetic)

• Hormone levels (like cortisol and oxytocin)

• Brain waves and mental clarity

But perhaps most importantly, conscious breathing creates a safe space for your body to feel and process emotion—without judgement, without overthinking.

What Happens in a Somatic Breathwork Session?

Every breathwork facilitator has their own style, but here’s a general idea of what you might experience:

1. Set an intention – You might focus on letting go of fear, healing a memory, or simply opening to whatever arises.

2. Begin active breathing – This could be a rhythmic pattern (like connected breathing or a two-part breath) for 20–40 minutes, often accompanied by music.

3. Sensations and emotions surface – Tingling, tears, tension, laughter, even shaking can happen. It’s your body releasing stored energy.

4. Integration and rest – You’ll end in stillness, letting your body and mind process the experience.

It can be subtle, intense, peaceful, or profound—each session is unique.

What Are the Benefits of Somatic Breathwork?

Thousands of people across the UK and beyond are turning to breathwork for healing, clarity, and self-discovery. Some common benefits include:

• Emotional release and healing from past trauma

• Reduced anxiety, depression, and overwhelm

• Greater body awareness and self-trust

• A deeper sense of peace and presence

• Insights and clarity about life direction

• Improved sleep and nervous system regulation

• Feeling more connected—to yourself and others

And the best part? You don’t need to talk about your pain to heal it. Breathwork works without words.

Is It Safe?

For most healthy adults, yes. But because breathwork can be intense and occasionally bring up repressed memories or physical sensations, it’s important to go at your own pace. You should also avoid deep breathwork if you have certain medical conditions (like epilepsy, severe cardiovascular issues, or a history of psychosis) unless supervised by a professional.

Always consult your GP if you’re unsure—and consider starting with gentle practices or a trained facilitator.

How to Get Started with Somatic Breathwork

You don’t need a fancy retreat or years of experience. Here’s how you can begin:

1. Try a simple practice at home

Find a quiet space. Lie down or sit comfortably. Begin a two-part breath:

• Inhale through the mouth into the belly

• Inhale again into the chest

• Exhale out the mouth (all in a continuous flow)

Do this for 3–5 minutes. Then pause. Breathe normally. Notice what you feel.

You may experience light-headedness, tingles, or emotion rising. That’s normal. Go slow and trust your body.

2. Use online resources or guided sessions

There are many UK-based breathwork facilitators offering online sessions. You can also find recordings on YouTube or apps like Insight Timer. Look for styles like “conscious connected breathwork”, “rebirthing breathwork”, or “somatic breathing”.

3. Join a class or workshop

Group breathwork can be powerful. Check out local events in your area—especially in major cities like London, Bristol, Manchester, or Brighton, where somatic healing communities are growing fast.

4. Work with a certified facilitator

For deeper emotional healing, 1:1 support is invaluable. Look for facilitators trained in trauma-informed breathwork who understand the emotional terrain.

Final Thoughts: Your Breath Knows the Way

We spend our lives looking for healing in the mind—thinking, analysing, talking. But sometimes the healing we need doesn’t live in thoughts. It lives in the body. In the places we’ve ignored, numbed, or pushed away.

Your breath is the bridge back to yourself. It knows what you’ve carried and how to let it go.

So start small. Get curious. Let your breath show you what’s ready to be felt—and finally released.

You don’t have to fix yourself. You just have to feel. And the breath? It’s been waiting patiently, all along.

Bonus Resources

Online Meditation Course

Online Mindfulness Course

Why not treat yourself to a Meditation Retreat in the beautiful Devon Countryside?

This post may also interest you: How to Create a Personalised Breathwork Routine That Fits Your Lifestyle

Best Wishes,

David.

© D. R. Durham, All rights reserved, 2025.