What is breath? From a pragmatic standpoint, we can describe it simply as the air we take into our lungs and then release during the physiological function of respiration. The body takes in oxygen and expels carbon dioxide—in with the new, out with the old. But at its most complex, breath is life and, for some, spirit or life essence.

From the beginning to the end-point of life, breath keeps us going. What happens in  between—the way we breathe—has much to do with how well our body functions throughout the living state and, in many ways, for how long. Andrew Weil, MD, well known for his contribution to the growing acceptance of complementary and alternative medicine, writes, “Breath is the master key to health and wellness, a function we can learn to regulate and develop in order to improve our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.”

Breathwork has always been around in one form or another. From ancient medicine to modern therapeutic approaches, it’s been a common denominator in healing. Bodyworkers use breathing techniques for grounding and focusing. Shamans use the breath to extract negative energies from the body, then blow those energies out to the winds. Guided regulation of the breath is an integral part of labor and delivery for expectant mothers. In the martial arts, breathwork is used to stimulate the flow of energy. And when we are stressed, we are encouraged to take a deep breath, then let go of the tension and anxiety with our exhalation.