#38 - Special Guest Guy Fincham

In this conversation, Guy shares his journey into breathwork and his research in the field. He discusses the difference between meditation and breathwork, highlighting the role of mindfulness and awareness in both practices. Guy explains the various traditions and disciplines within breathwork and emphasizes the universality of the breath. He also addresses the potential risks and benefits of different breathwork practices. The chapter concludes by discussing the physiological and psychological responses, including tearing and crying, that can occur during breathwork. This conversation explores the mechanisms and benefits of breathwork, particularly in releasing tension and promoting mental well-being. The hosts discuss personal experiences with the Swami technique and the importance of integrating breathwork into movement practices. They also address the industrialization of breathwork and the need for evidence-based research. The conversation concludes with tips for identifying legitimate breathwork practitioners and a humorous concept called 'ninja f***ing.'

Takeaways

Breathwork involves regulating and controlling the breath, while meditation focuses on awareness of the present moment.
There are various traditions and disciplines within breathwork, but no one can own the breath as it is a universal and innate function.
Proper training and guidance are essential in breathwork to ensure safety and avoid potential risks.
Breathwork can have both physiological and psychological effects, including tearing and crying, which may be a release of energy or tension.

Guy Fincham X (twitter) - https://x.com/breath_Guy?s=20

Links to publication 
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-27247-y
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-49279-8
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0149763423004220


Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background
01:30 Journey into Breathwork
05:09 Intense Meditation Retreat
06:27 Transition to Breathwork
09:08 Breath Body Mind Method
10:07 Founding the Breathwork Lab
11:18 Definition of Meditation and Breathwork
12:31 Different Breathwork Traditions
15:24 Authenticity of Breathwork Practices
19:27 Physiological Effects of Breathwork
24:29 Kapalabhati and Coherent Breathing
28:37 Crying and Tearing in Breathwork
33:24 Exploring the Mechanisms of Breathwork
36:30 Personal Experiences with Swami
37:28 The Power of Breathwork in Releasing Tension
38:24 The Connection Between Breathwork and Intensive Exercise
43:03 The Industrialization of Breathwork
48:40 Breathwork as a Tool for Mental Wellbeing
53:28 Navigating the Breathwork Journey
56:16 The Importance of Evidence-Based Breathwork
58:57 Identifying Legitimate Breathwork Practitioners
01:03:48 The Concept of 'Ninja F***ing'