History and Origins of Breathwork
The interrelationship between the breath and the state of our health, and even states of mind, has been recognized for centuries in the medical and meditative practices of the East. These ancient cultures have long recognized the breath as a primary vehicle for prana (life energy) as well as a vital link in the mind/body continuum. For centuries, these cultures have worked with the breath to harness and direct prana as a means of facilitating healing and self-development, evolving over time into a sophisticated meditative science often referred to as “The Science of Breath.” Among the best-known forms are Vipassana meditation, Pranayama, Qigong and Tai Chi, with Pranayama being perhaps the most familiar to Westerners.