Breathwork

VICTOLIYA | urban cottage witch + mercurial mystic

This is a growing practice.
For the months of November and December, I will offer limited free 30-min sessions as I complete my breathwork facilitation course.

I welcome any input and feedback as I improve these sessions for you and others.

Please see below for further information on what breathwork is, the lineage of my practice, and what to expect from a breathwork session with me.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is breathwork?

Breathwork refers to breathing techniques that intentionally channel and focus on the breath. For thousands of years, Eastern medicine practices, including Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine have employed breathing techniques to calm the body and the mind. Breathwork can also be found in other places globally, such as in Australia, Africa, and South America.

What traditions and lineage does my breathwork draw from?

Growing up, I was exposed to qi gong, taichi, and Chan Buddhism, which is the Chinese Taoist version of Mahayana Buddhism. While I may not have been an active practitioner at the time, I was aware of the benefits of breathwork for meditation, posture, and enlightenment.

As a facilitator, my training draws predominantly from Indian pranayama yoga traditions. This practice is Flow Breathwork, a somatic breath practice that focuses on the mind and body taught to me by Shanila Sattar of AlwaysPlay Studios. It is a blend of breathwork, movement, energy healing, the elements, and embodiment informed by wisdom traditions.

What I have learned from my own Chinese traditional roots, Flow Breathwork, and the esoteric arts of tarot and oracle formulate the basis for my own eclectic practice. Leaning more into one of the other based on offerings and the intentions co-created with my breathers.

Who is breathwork for?

Breathwork is for anyone curious to explore breath as a means for grounding back into the body for self-exploration, healing, and restoration. Different kinds of breathwork will come with different benefits, but this would be especially beneficial for those who are learning to become more familiar with their nervous system and could benefit from a reset. Whether you are over or under-stimulated, there is a kind of breathwork that can help you calibrate and lean into a greater sense of wellness.

However, breathwork also isn't for everyone. At least not at all times. DO NOT participate if you:

Experience severe anxiety, PTSD, or other without professional support
Feel unwell or dizzy
Physical conditions such as severe asthma or cardiovascular disease
Any other medical, physical or psychiatric condition which would impair or affect the ability to involve in deep physical and emotional release - please communicate!

If you have any concerns, do consult your healthcare provider / therapist before joining.

What should I expect in a breathwork session?

Each session lasts about 30 minutes — including a quick check-in, 20-30 minutes of guided breathwork, and gentle closing practice at the end. This is meant to be beginner-friendly and accessible. Each breath will be guided. Wear comfortable clothes that gives you mobility and choose a quiet, safe, and comfy spot where you won’t be disturbed during our time together. I typically will default to a seated session, but can modify for standing or lying down. There are options for adjustments during the session as well.

Before the session:

Hydrate well before the session
Avoid heavy meals or drinks for at least 2 hours before
Choose your preferred posture (sit, stand, or lie down)
Have water nearby for after
Review any contraindications to ensure the practice is right for you

During the session:

Expect to breathe deeply through the belly, ribs, and chest. You may experience:

Physical sensations such as light-headedness, body tingles, yawning etc.
Emotional sensations and releases such as tears or laughter
Spiritual sensations of connection or expansion
Energetic shifts like tingling or warmth
Physical sensations such as light-headedness or gentle body movements

All of this is part of your body’s natural reset. If anything feels too intense, slow down or pause.

What should I do after the session?

Ground yourself by feeling your body in the space (wiggle fingers/toes, press feet down).
Drink water to support your body.
Journal any insights or feelings if you wish.
Set a gentle intention for your next hours/days.
Move mindfully. Stretch, sway, or dance to celebrate your body.
Remember to be gentle with yourself - some people may have a more emotional, physical, or spiritual experience or response a few hours or even a day or two after breathwork.

Can I share my experience with others?

If you feel inclined to share a testimonial or feedback, please do! All feedback is welcomes and preferred. You can reply to my emails or message me on Instagram anytime. Testimonials can be anonymous if you prefer.