Breathwork differs from normal breathing in its intentionality and technique. Normal breathing is an automatic process controlled by the autonomic nervous system, typically shallow and occurring without conscious thought. In contrast, breathwork involves deliberate manipulation of breath patterns.

In breathwork, practitioners consciously control the rate, depth, and pattern of their breathing. This may involve techniques like deep diaphragmatic breathing, rapid breathing, or holding the breath for specific durations. The focus is on using the breath as a tool to influence physical and mental states.

Breathwork often incorporates specific ratios of inhalation to exhalation, breathing through different parts of the body, or visualizations. It requires active participation and mindfulness, unlike normal breathing which happens passively. The goal is to harness the power of breath to achieve various physiological and psychological effects, such as relaxation, energy boost, or emotional release.