what is conscious connected breathwork?
Conscious Connected Breathing for the Body Mind Connection
Calm yourself with CCB
The Power of Conscious Connected Breathwork (CCB)
What is Conscious Connected Breathwork?
Conscious Connected Breathwork is a breathing technique that involves continuous, deep, diaphragmatic breathing without pauses. Unlike regular breathing, CCB allows for a full, uninterrupted cycle, delivering a steady flow of oxygen to the body and mind. The rhythm is a continuous circular motion.
How CCB Supports the Nervous System
When practiced consistently, CCB helps regulate the nervous system in powerful ways:
1. Switches on “Rest and Restore” Mode
CCB activates the parasympathetic nervous system (the “rest and digest” system), calming the body's response to stress. This supports emotional regulation and reduces feelings of anxiety or overwhelm.
2. Balances the Limbic System
By slowing down the breath and delivering more oxygen, CCB helps the limbic system—the brain’s emotional center—operate more smoothly. This can enhance your emotional resilience, reducing stress and reactivity in the body over time.
3.Practice is key here. New habits rewire in the brain and nervous system through dedicated practice, which strengthen neural pathways over time, making the behavior more automatic and integrated into daily life.
4.Promotes Health and Vitality
CCB provides a deeper supply of oxygen than typical breathing, which improves circulation, reduces inflammation, and supports cellular health. It has been shown to boost immune function and enhance overall well-being.
5.Benefits of CCB for Emotional Stability
Enhances Emotional Clarity: By calming the mind, CCB allows us to process emotions without feeling overwhelmed, which can lead to better mental clarity and resilience. Improves Mood: Consistent CCB practice can help the brain release more serotonin, a natural mood booster, supporting a stable and positive emotional state.
A Quick Conscious Connected Breathwork Practice—
1. Find a comfortable position, lying down if possible. Place your left hand on your abdomen and the right hand on your heart. The hand on the heart should not move too much. Your focus here is more on the belly rising and falling as you gently inhale and exhale.
2. Breathe slowly and continuously through the diaphragm. There is no pause at the top or bottom of the breath. Breathe through an open mouth in a circular movement connecting the inhale with the exhale.
3. Continue this rhythm for several minutes. You may want to set a timer for 5-10 minutes if you’re just starting out so you can concentrate on this breathing practice. Allow the breath to flow smoothly in a relaxed connected cycle. Find your rhythm noticing the gentle rise and fall of your belly as you inhale and exhale. Return to nose breathing for a few minutes after your session is over and notice how the body feels.
Note—Open mouth breathing is not for everyone.
*You can do this through the nose if you prefer. CCB is a lot more powerful in the body when done with a relaxed open mouth, but through the nose, it is also very effective. You may want to try breathing in and out through the nose, only if open mouth breathing is too intense for you. I suggest a certified breath coach or facilitator if you feel unsure. Listen to your body.
*Practicing CCB daily can lead to profound improvements in health, emotional stability, and overall vitality. Nervous system regulation doesn’t happen overnight. With a dedicated few minutes a day, I can promise you will see a difference. As you find your breathing momentum, you will naturally increase the length of your breathing practice. Try a nice music playlist to enhance your practice. There are many on Spotify.
CAVEAT: While diaphragmatic breathing and open-mouth circular breathwork are powerful tools for relaxation and self-connection, they can sometimes stir up repressed emotions or bring strong feelings to the surface. This practice works deeply within the body, tapping into areas where tension and old emotions may be stored. As you practice, remember to go slowly and listen to your body. If intense emotions arise, know this is natural and it’s part of the healing process as your mind and body release what they’ve been holding onto subconsciously. Breathe gently and take breaks if needed. Embrace whatever comes up with compassion. These experiences often pave the way for deeper healing and greater emotional clarity. You have to feel it to heal it.
Prioritize yourself first. If you feel you are needing more one on one support with your breathing, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me.
You deserve peace in your life. XO
