Therapeutic Breathwork
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Therapeutic breathwork refers to any type of therapy that uses breathing exercises to improve mental, physical, and emotional health. These techniques promote healing and relaxation. When we direct our breathing in a conscious way, we can affect our body’s ability to manage:
Healthcare providers trained in therapeutic breathwork techniques will give you instructions based on the needs of your child. There are different types of breathing techniques that are used for infants, children, and adolescents. These techniques can help to meet their developmental and symptom management needs.
Therapeutic breathwork helps bring balance to the nervous system. Turning on the body’s “calming system” can help to:
Research has shown that breathwork can reduce symptoms of mental, emotional, and physical pain.
Breathwork can help individuals:
Breathwork is performed in a safe, gentle manner. It is taught by a healthcare professional who has been trained in breathwork techniques. The professional will:
Sessions can last for 5 to 15 minutes. Timing depends on the goals of the session.
Breathwork is safe when performed by trained health care providers. Side effects are rare, but could include:
The Integrative Health Program at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) is closely managed to ensure your child’s safety.
Breathwork exercises may be avoided or adjusted for the following conditions:
Your child may feel:
Breathwork does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Our staff can suggest ways to include breathwork exercises into your child’s treatment plan. Speak to your healthcare provider to see if breathwork would benefit your child. Share your questions and concerns with your child’s health care team.