MOD193 – Shamanic Breathwork

Definition

Shamanic Breathwork is an ancient healing practice that combines rhythmic breathing techniques with chakra-attuned music, sacred rituals, and intention-setting to induce altered states of consciousness, promoting psychological, emotional, and spiritual healing and development.

Explanation

Shamanic Breathwork involves guided circular breathing, often accompanied by evocative music and focused intention. The process typically includes:

1. Creating a safe, sacred space through rituals like smudging or invocations
2. Participants lying down comfortably
3. A trained facilitator guiding the breathing process
4. Using a specific breathing pattern: inhaling through the nose and exhaling through the mouth in a connected, circular motion
5. Listening to chakra-attuned music that evolves throughout the session
6. Allowing for spontaneous body movements or vocalizations as part of the release process
7. Integration practices like mandala artwork or group sharing after the breathwork

The practice aims to:

• Connect individuals with their inner healer or “inner shaman”
• Explore the depths of their psyche and access the subconscious mind
• Facilitate emotional release and healing of past traumas
• Promote personal growth and transformation
• Enhance self-awareness and spiritual connection

Shamanic Breathwork is rooted in ancient shamanic traditions but often incorporates modern psycho-spiritual techniques. It’s seen as a powerful tool for releasing old patterns, accessing inner wisdom, and promoting holistic healing of mind, body, and spirit.

Evidence to Efficacy

While specific scientific studies on Shamanic Breathwork are small, there is extensive evidence supporting the efficacy of breathwork techniques in general, which can provide insights into the potential benefits of Shamanic Breathwork:

Stress Reduction: A meta-analysis published in Scientific Reports examined the effects of breathwork on stress and mental health. The study concluded that breathwork may be effective for improving stress and mental health, although the authors urged caution and advocated for more nuanced research.

Mental Health: The same meta-analysis found that breathwork interventions showed significant effects on stress, anxiety, and depression. This suggests potential benefits for overall mental well-being.

Physiological Effects: Research has shown that controlled breathing techniques can influence heart rate variability and autonomic activity. While not specific to Shamanic Breathwork, this indicates potential physiological benefits of breathwork practices.

Altered States of Consciousness: Practitioners report that Shamanic Breathwork can induce altered states of consciousness, which may facilitate psychological and spiritual development. While scientific studies on this specific claim are limited, the reported experiences align with the practice’s intended outcomes.

Emotional Release: The practice is said to provide an opportunity for suppressed emotions to surface and be released. While this is largely based on anecdotal evidence, it aligns with psychological theories about emotional processing.

 

Neuroscience and Physiology

Shamanic Breathwork works by activating specific neural and physiological pathways through sustained, rhythmic breathing combined with music, intention, and symbolic ritual. This combination is designed to access altered states of consciousness—expanded states in which healing, insight, and integration can occur across the mind, body, and soul.

The breathing technique itself triggers a controlled activation of the sympathetic nervous system, creating a temporary increase in heart rate, blood pressure, and levels of carbon dioxide in the blood. This physiological arousal is then balanced by a parasympathetic rebound, inviting profound states of emotional release, deep relaxation, and integration.

Functionally, this breath-induced state alters the brain’s default mode network (DMN) – the region associated with ego, identity, and self-referential thought. When the DMN quiets, individuals may experience a sense of ego-dissolution or spiritual connection, similar to what is observed in psychedelic experiences. Studies on breathwork and consciousness (such as those from the Imperial College London’s Centre for Psychedelic Research) show how non-ordinary states can facilitate reprocessing of trauma, emotional catharsis, and expanded awareness – core aims of Shamanic Breathwork.

The breath rhythm, in combination with chakra-attuned music, also encourages brainwave entrainment – a syncing of neural oscillations to the beat and tone of external auditory input. This entrainment often moves the brain into theta and gamma wave states, which are associated with dreaming, creativity, memory integration, and spiritual insight.

From a chemistry perspective, the altered breathing pattern influences neurotransmitter balance, encouraging the release of dopamine, endorphins, and serotonin, fostering a sense of emotional resolution and uplift. At the same time, the oxygen-carbon dioxide shifts support pH balancing in the blood, which influences the body’s acid-alkaline equilibrium, helping to clear metabolic waste and regulate inflammation.

Energetically, Shamanic Breathwork is aligned with the subtle body systems – especially the chakras and nadis (energy channels in yogic philosophy). The breath acts as a carrier of prana (life force), and through intention and sound, participants direct this energy toward areas needing transformation. This mechanism mirrors principles in quantum biology, where consciousness, intention, and energy are increasingly seen as influential in shaping our physiology, even if not yet fully understood within conventional science.

Ultimately, the practice invites whole-system coherence, in which emotional memory, bodily tension, and spiritual stagnation are brought to the surface, acknowledged, and released,  often resulting in profound clarity, vitality, and inner peace.

Governing Body

While there isn’t a single governing body for Shamanic Breathwork, various organisations offer training and certification. The practice of Shamanic Breathwork© was created by Linda Star Wolf.

Governance and certification of Shamanic Breathwork:

Venus Rising Association for Transformation: This organization, founded by Linda Star Wolf, appears to be the primary authority for Shamanic Breathwork. They offer a structured certification pathway:

• Level I: Shamanic Healing Initiatory Process (S.H.I.P.)
• Level II: Facilitator Skills
• Level III: Master ApprenticeSHIP

Certification Process: To become a certified Shamanic Breathwork Facilitator, individuals must complete both the S.H.I.P. program and the Facilitator Skills program. Further training leads to certification as a Shamanic Breathwork Master Practitioner.

Global Professional Breathwork Alliance (GPBA): Venus Rising’s Master Practitioner Program is registered with the GPBA as an accredited qualification. Graduates are eligible to enrol with GPBA as Accredited Practitioners.

Venus Rising Satellites: Certified Master Practitioners can apply to become Venus Rising Satellites, allowing them to host their own S.H.I.P. trainings.

While Venus Rising appears to be the primary authority for this specific practice, it’s important to note that there are other forms of breathwork and shamanic practices with different governing bodies or certification processes. The term “Shamanic Breathwork” specifically refers to the practice developed by Linda Star Wolf and governed by Venus Rising.

What Good Looks Like

A positive Shamanic Breathwork experience should encompass immediate sensations, short-term effects, and long-term outcomes. Here’s what a good Shamanic Breathwork experience should entail:

• You feel completely held in a safe, sacred space that invites vulnerability and trust, allowing your subconscious to open without fear or resistance.

• You engage in rhythmic, connected breathing that synchronises with carefully selected chakra-attuned music, creating a powerful synergy that elevates your consciousness and enhances emotional release.

• You become aware of subtle shifts in your body, emotions, and energy, as the breathwork gently dissolves energetic blockages, inviting profound healing on physical, emotional, and spiritual levels.

• You actively participate in setting clear, focused intentions before the session, which serve as a compass for your journey, helping to shape meaningful insights and breakthroughs tailored to your personal healing path.

• You experience the integration of ancient shamanic rituals and modern breath techniques, creating a bridge between ancestral wisdom and contemporary healing modalities that deepen your connection to your inner self and the wider spiritual realm.

• You emerge with heightened clarity, emotional resilience, and a renewed sense of purpose, often accompanied by vivid visions or symbolic experiences that carry deep personal significance.

• You are provided with grounding and integration practices post-session, ensuring that the shifts and insights you receive are safely anchored into your everyday life, promoting sustained growth and wellbeing.

• You are met with compassionate, non-judgmental presence from your practitioner, who honours your unique process and offers gentle guidance without directing or rushing your experience.

A good Shamanic Breathwork experience should leave the individual feeling profoundly transformed, with a sense of having journeyed deep within themselves and returned with valuable insights and healing. The effects should be noticeable both immediately after the session and in the days and weeks that follow. While individual experiences may vary greatly, the overall outcome should be a sense of positive growth, increased self-awareness, and a deeper connection to one’s inner wisdom and the world around them.

What to Ask a Practitioner

While Shamanic Breathwork can be practised individually, working with a trained facilitator is often recommended, especially for beginners. Here are some questions to ask when choosing a Shamanic Breathwork practitioner:

Are you certified by the Venus Rising Association for Transformation or another reputable organisation?

Desired answer: Certification from Venus Rising or another recognised shamanic breathwork training programme.

What specific contraindications do you screen for before a session?

Desired Answer: Awareness of conditions like pregnancy, cardiovascular issues, or certain mental health conditions that may preclude participation.

Can you describe how you handle emotional releases or intense experiences during a session?

Desired Answer: A compassionate approach and they should mention specific techniques for grounding participants.

What is your approach to the spiritual aspects of Shamanic Breathwork?

Desired answer: Be prepared for a wide range of responses, all are fine, but ensure you work with someone whose approach aligns with your personal beliefs and comfort level.

Self-Study Resources

“Shamanic Breathwork: Journeying Beyond the Limits of the Self” by Linda Star Wolf – A comprehensive book on the practice.

The Breathwork Summit: An annual online event featuring various breathwork modalities, including Shamanic Breathwork.

International Breathwork Foundation: Provides resources and information on various breathwork techniques.

Remember, while these resources can provide valuable information, it’s crucial to work with a certified practitioner, especially when starting out with Shamanic Breathwork.

Related Therapies

Holotropic Breathwork (MOD189): A therapeutic breathing practice that uses accelerated breathing and music to induce altered states of consciousness.

Rebirthing Breathwork (MOD191): A conscious breathing technique aimed at releasing suppressed emotions and trauma.

Pranayama (MOD190): A set of yogic breathing techniques designed to control and regulate the breath for physical and mental well-being.

Mindfulness Meditation (MOD101): A practice of maintaining moment-to-moment awareness of thoughts, feelings, and surroundings.

Sound Healing (MOD154): The use of sound vibrations, such as singing bowls or tuning forks, to promote relaxation and healing. Sound therapy can enhance the meditative state achieved during Reiki sessions.

Conscious Connected Breath (MOD192):  A transformative breathwork practice using continuous, connected breathing to promote emotional release, increased awareness, and holistic healing.

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