Using specific techniques, breathing can provide the body with energy, cell-nourishing oxygen, warmth, and even coolness on a hot day.

One often-overlooked physical effect of breathing is detoxification. It has been estimated that optimal breathing could account for 70% of our detoxification.

Beyond the physical, Dr. Kravitz has developed techniques to clear deep, negative, emotional and mental patterns that, when present, eventually manifest negatively on the physical level. In a truly holistic manner, she also addresses spiritual patterns. Using her techniques, one can connect with one's "higher self," attempting to clear karmic patterns that manifest on the mental/emotional plane and again cascade down to the physical.

Resources /Training --The above merely scratches the surface about why breathing is so beneficial and important. I encourage readers to study further and work with the breath as a practice. Daily, deep, diaphragmatic breathing is absolutely the safest therapy in the world. It goes a long way toward reducing stress and many other conditions.

However, experimenting with breath retention and other advanced disciplines should be attempted only with the help of a properly trained teacher. For example, Holotropic and Transformational Breathing provide very competent professional training. If your Breathwork also involves bodywork, make certain that the individual has appropriate credentials (such as CMT, LMT, DC, or DO). If you pursue a path involving Pranayama, a highly trained yoga instructor is necessary.

All Breathwork professionals are not created equal. Ask about practitioners' training. What credentials have they earned? How much experience do they have? Can they provide references? Can they answer questions articulately, demonstrate technical knowledge, and most importantly, relate concepts at your level of understanding?

Find a practitioner who is willing to offer extensive workshops as an introduction to the breath. Perhaps your physician can refer you to a qualified breath worker.

In Transformational Breathing, I was trained personally by Dr. Judith Kravitz. In Part 2 of this article, I describe more about this Self-Healing system and what it can do.

Stephen Gooby is a Certified Transformational Breathing Facilitator. He brings the experience of a Certified Massage Therapist (Health Choices Institute) and Yoga Instructor (Nosara Institute) to his Breath practice. He has done Breathwork in Europe, the US, and Central America. Stephen teaches primarily in the Southeast US. You can reach him at 609-284-1400, or visit www.breath-dynamics.com

Breathing: The Best Kept Healing Secret – Part 2 by Stephen Gooby

Visit Life Coach News, May 2005 Edition.