The Science of Breathwork and Healing

Hi everyone, I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Ananya, a South Asian breathwork and meditation facilitator, on my podcast. Ananya’s journey from a scientific background to becoming a breathwork advocate is both inspiring and enlightening, and I wanted to share some key insights from our conversation.Ananya’s story begins with her childhood exposure to breathwork through her grandparents, who were deeply involved in Kriya Yoga and meditation. Despite this early introduction, it wasn’t until her twenties, during a period of personal loss, that Ananya truly embraced breathwork. She found solace in these practices, which helped her navigate grief and later, pregnancy loss.One of the most fascinating aspects of our conversation was Ananya’s explanation of the science behind breathwork. She highlighted how breathwork can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing stress and promoting relaxation. This physiological response can have profound effects on our mental and physical well-being, from lowering heart rates to improving symptoms of chronic conditions like IBS and PTSD. Ananya’s scientific background adds a layer of credibility to her advocacy, bridging the gap between traditional practices and modern science.As a novice to breathwork myself, I was curious about how to incorporate these practices into daily life. Ananya shared practical tips, emphasising that even a few minutes of focused breathing can make a difference. Techniques like box breathing or simply extending the exhalation can be done discreetly, even in a busy workplace. This accessibility makes breathwork a valuable tool for anyone looking to manage stress and anxiety.Our conversation also touched on the cultural aspects of breathwork and healing, particularly within the South Asian community. Ananya spoke candidly about the challenges of discussing grief and loss, which are often stigmatised topics. Her openness about her own experiences with pregnancy loss and her efforts to debunk myths surrounding it are both brave and necessary. By sharing her story, Ananya hopes to create a supportive space for others to explore their own healing journeys.In closing, Ananya offered resources for those interested in starting their breathwork practice. She provides free audios and guides designed to help individuals feel more grounded and confident. Her passion for breathwork is evident, and her dedication to helping others navigate their own paths to healing is truly commendable.I left our conversation feeling inspired to explore breathwork further, both for myself and with my daughters. It’s a reminder that healing is a personal journey, and having tools like breathwork can be incredibly empowering. If you’re curious about breathwork or looking for ways to manage stress, I encourage you to give it a try. Links to her resources are below.About AnanyaAnanya is a South Asian breathwork and meditation facilitator with a PhD in reproductive biology. She offers trauma-informed breathwork workshops, coaching, and resources both for individuals and in the workplace, to prevent stress and anxiety but also now—particularly for those navigating miscarriage and pregnancy after loss.Website: ananyaampersand.comInstagram: @ananyaampersandGentle breathwork to ground you through grief and healingFree miscarriage audio meditation bundle and breathwork guide: https://ananyaampersand.myflodesk.com/freemiscarriageaudiobundleBreathe to feel grounded and confidentFree breathwork and meditation guide: https://ananyaampersand.myflodesk.com/breathworkguide This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit priyamohalcoaching.substack.com