The Power of Breathwork for Trauma Healing: A Survivor’s Guide

Posted on Jan 20, 2025 | 0 comments

Living in Southern California, we’re lucky enough to be surrounded by natural beauty—stunning ocean views, majestic mountains, and a lifestyle that invites moments of calm. Yet, despite the serenity, life’s stresses still catch up with us.

For many of us, past experiences, old wounds, and daily pressures leave a mark, making it hard to feel fully present and at peace. Trauma, at any level, has a way of settling into our bodies, affecting our mental and emotional well-being. As mamas, and survivors, we often put ourselves last on the priority list, but it’s time to change that. One powerful tool for healing trauma—and nurturing ourselves—is breathwork.

What Is Breathwork?

Breathwork is a simple yet transformative practice that taps into the natural power of our breath to promote emotional and physical healing. It’s an ancient technique that has been used for centuries across cultures to help individuals release stress, process emotions, and restore balance to the body. Through intentional breathing, we can address the underlying emotional patterns that trauma often creates and work toward healing those wounds at the root.

5 Reasons Why Breathwork Is Important

When trauma occurs, it often becomes trapped in our bodies. This is where breathwork can be incredibly effective. While talk therapy can help us process our thoughts and emotions, it doesn’t always address the physical hold that trauma can have on us. It works directly with the body, using breathing techniques to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes relaxation and a sense of calm. This can help ease the fight-or-flight response that often accompanies past trauma, allowing us to process and release emotions in a safe, gentle way.
Breathwork offers a space to reconnect with yourself, to acknowledge those buried feelings, and a tool to release them. In times of panic, it is a great conscious tool to oxygenate your body, helping you think clearer and make better choices when feeling stress or anxiety.
One of the most beautiful aspects of breathwork is its ability to trigger emotional release. During a session, you might feel a rush of emotions—tears, laughter, or deep waves of relaxation—as your body lets go of what it’s been holding onto. This is a positive, therapeutic release. It’s the body’s way of healing and finding balance again.
It reduces stress and improves mental clarity. In our busy lives as moms, we’re constantly juggling tasks, schedules, and responsibilities. Taking a few moments to breathe deeply and focus on the present moment helps us break free from the mental clutter, offering a refreshing reset. It’s like hitting the “refresh” button for your mind and body, giving you the mental space to show up more fully for yourself and your family.
The best part? You can practice anytime, anywhere—whether at home, on a peaceful walk along the beach, or even while sitting in your car. It’s always available, and it’s a tool that can help you navigate through even the most challenging moments.

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Top 3 Techniques For Beginners & Pros!

Box Breathing – I love this one for when you feel a panic attack coming on or feeling overwhelmed, stressed or anxious. You can do this quickly, easily and from anywhere at anytime. You can do either a 4-4-4-4 count or 3-3-3-3 count, whichever feels better for you. You will breath in for a count of 4, hold for a count of 4, exhale for a count of 4, hold for a count of 4, repeat 3-5 times until your feel calm and control return.
2-7-8 Technique – this is a great one for regaining control and releasing tension. Breath in for 2, hold for 7 and exhale though the mouth, loudly blowing out every bit of air for an 8 count. Repeat 3-5 times or for as long as you need. The loud exhale helps release tension from the body while promoting a good inflow of oxygen to the body.
Belly Breathing – perfect for when you need to get more grounded and present. Lie flat on your back, one hand on your belly, one hand on your chest. Breath in deeply, filling your lungs and stomach. Feel your stomach expand then releasing it all and feeling your core constrict. Repeat 3-5 times or for as long as you need, until you feel grounded and back in control.

By integrating these breathwork techniques into your daily routine, you can begin to train your brain, body and soul to respond more effectively to anxious moments. This trauma biohack tip will take you right back to center with control. So, take a deep breath—your healing journey starts with just one inhale.

Cheers!

Malibu Mama Loves Xx

PS – If you are ready for the next step, click here to discover if unhealed trauma is unknowingly impacting your life today.

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