personal experience

While breathwork isn’t a direct weight loss method, it can support weight management efforts:

Stress reduction: Lower stress levels can reduce stress-eating and cortisol-related weight gain. I can attest to this one directly!
Improved sleep: Better sleep quality, often resulting from breathwork, is linked to healthier weight. And this one too!
Mindful eating: Breathwork promotes mindfulness, which can extend to eating habits and the management of food cravings
Emotional regulation: Better emotional control may reduce emotional eating.
Increased body awareness: This can lead to more conscious food choices.
Exercise enhancement and Metabolism support: Breathwork can improve exercise performance, indirectly supporting weight loss, and some breathwork practices including diaphragmatic breathing work directly with the core muscles.
Digestive function: Some techniques may support better digestion such as Kapalbhati Pranayama.
Hormone balance: Stress reduction through breathwork may help balance hormones related to weight.

I can personally attest to impact of stress reduction and better sleep. Combined with fasting and the removal of Ultra Processed Foods, my weight reduction programme continues. The usual caution applies thought, make sure you are fully supported and listening to your body whenever you introduce changes to your lifestyle. If necessary from an informed professional.

I would say I am a living example of how it can! When practiced consistently and alongside other supportive methods, which are dependant upon the individual. I needed rest and the space to explore previously unlooked at emotions and cPTSD trauma, so breathwork and meditation, along with a programme of self development and learning really helped.

Breathwork shows promise in helping manage symptoms of depression:

Stress reduction: By lowering cortisol levels, breathwork can help alleviate stress-induced depressive symptoms.
Mood regulation: Certain techniques may help balance neurotransmitters associated with mood.
Increased oxygenation: Better oxygen flow to the brain can potentially improve mood and cognitive function.
Mindfulness promotion: Focusing on breath can help break cycles of negative thoughts.
Autonomic nervous system balance: This can help regulate emotional responses.
Sleep improvement: Better sleep quality, often resulting from breathwork, can positively impact depression.
Physical activity: Some breathwork practices involve gentle movement, which can be beneficial for depression.
Self-empowerment: Having a tool to manage symptoms can provide a sense of control.
Potential for neuroplasticity: Regular practice may support brain changes that could help with depression.

While research is ongoing, some studies have shown positive results. However, breathwork should not replace professional mental health treatment. It’s best used as part of a comprehensive approach to managing depression, ideally under the guidance of a mental health professional.

Can breathwork help with weight loss?

Can breathwork help with depression?