Breathwork Visit

Isabella April 11, 2025 0 Comments

Today, we explored how controlled breathing is a powerful ally in your healing journey. By practicing breathwork, you’re calming your mind and influencing how your brain processes pain. 

Studies show that chronic pain can shift brain activity to areas associated with emotions like anxiety and fear, amplifying pain (Bushnell et al., 2013).

Pain isn’t just physical—it’s deeply connected to our brain. Parts of our brain like the hippocampus (which helps with memory) and the amygdala (which processes emotions like fear) physically change when we experience pain for more than 3 months. 

When we’re in pain, stressed, or anxious, our body’s “fight or flight” response can amplify pain signals. But here’s the good news: through specific breathing techniques, we can activate our “rest and digest” system, promoting relaxation and reducing pain, meanwhile inducing neuroplasticity to rewire our brain towards health and improved pain. 

Think of your breath as a bridge between your mind and body—a tool you can use to find balance and peace.

Homework Assignments:

1. Daily Breathwork Practice:

    • Why: Regular breathwork calms your mind, reduces pain, and improves sleep.
    • Instructions:

One Time: 

  • Instructions:
    • Each evening, write down three moments when you felt truly present.
    • Reflect on these moments and notice changes throughout the week.
  • Purpose:
    • To enhance mindfulness and awareness of the present moment.

2. Movement Therapy:

  • Why: Gentle movement improves energy flow and reduces stiffness.
  • Instructions:
    • Start basic Qi Gong exercises (try to do this DAILY)
    • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IyINAjEoTIs&t=180s
  • Do Once: Grounding Nature Walk
    • Instructions:
      1. Take a leisurely walk outdoors.
      2. Focus on how your feet connect with the ground.
      3. Notice the sights, sounds, and smells around you.
    • Purpose:
      1. To connect with the present moment and strengthen the mind-body connection.

3. Nutrition:

  • Why: Adding spices like ginger and garlic reduces inflammation.
  • Instructions:
    • Incorporate ginger and garlic into your meals.
    • Enjoy a warm cup of ginger tea in the evening.

Small steps lead to big changes. 

Today, we introduced you to breathwork. By engaging in breathwork, you’re helping to reset this pattern, reducing stress responses, and promoting relaxation. This can lead to decreased pain and improved well-being.

I encourage you to stay committed. The choices you make now can significantly impact your well-being. By embracing these tools, you’re taking control of your health and moving toward a happier life.

Not taking action might mean continued discomfort and limitations, and we don’t want that for you.

Remember, you’re not alone—we’re here to support you every step of the way.

If you have questions or need support, please reach out. We’re here for you.

Remember, you’re the hero of your story, and we’re honored to be your guide.

All the best,

Isabella Lai, MD and the Team at Infinity Wellness Institute