Breathwork & the Chemical Reaction Inside the Body – With Jen Coles

I was looking for something new to wake up what had gone quiet inside me, and I found Jen Coles.

I met Breathwork Facilitator, Jen Coles, when I attended one of her Breathwork classes with my sister. Truthfully, I didn’t know what I was walking into; I was simply in the mood to try something different and spend time with my sis — who attends soul edifying workshops quite often. We had signed up for Jen’s Breathwork and Sound Bowl Journey at Synchronicities in Sandy, Utah. 

The ambiance was perfectly soothing, with walls covered in calming images of tranquil woodlands. The twinkling lights dimmed in a dreamy way, and the smell of purifying oils immediately calmed my nerves. My sister and I found a cozy spot next to each other and waited for the class to begin.

I was already impressed just by looking around and felt grateful to have a space to relax. I instantly fell in love with everything around me.

Then Jen started leading her session.

At that moment, Jen caught my full attention. Through her words, I felt inspired to focus closely.

She spoke from rooted experience and genuine love for what she does. Jen concentrated on how her work would help everyone individually. She was there to make a beneficial impact, while holding space for so many others.

Her methods are clear and profound, and the effect of her processes are more than I could have imagined.

My private thoughts and takeaways transformed into images, feelings, and words of inspiration I had never considered before—all coming from my own mind and heart! Jen’s facilitation through Breathwork urges emotions in the soul to come alive. Remarkable is her skill, to evoke such depth in others simply by knowing how to access the mind and heart, through breathing.

Since then, I reached out to Jen to ask for more information about the science behind Breathwork because I was awestruck at what I had experienced.

Included are the questions I asked, and her responses.

Here is what Jen had to say…

1. What’s the science behind Breathwork, & what “chemical type” reactions are happening in our body during Breathwork?

“When we consciously alter our breath through deep, controlled breaths or rapid breathing techniques we impact the oxygen and CO2 levels in the body. Techniques that increase oxygen intake (hyperventilation) temporarily reduce CO2 levels, which leads to a variety of physiological responses. Breathwork affects the body by altering oxygen and carbon dioxide CO2 levels, which influences pH balance, and nervous system activity.

• CO2  and pH: Hyperventilation lowers CO2 raising blood pH (alkalosis), which can cause lightheadedness and euphoria.
• Nervous System: Slow breathing activates the parasympathetic system, promoting relaxation, while rapid breathing triggers the sympathetic system, boosting energy and alertness. This can lead to emotional releases. 
• Breathwork releases endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin, enhancing mood and reducing stress. You may feel a lot of peace and calmness. 
• Cortisol: Breathwork lowers cortisol, reducing stress.

These effects explain Breathwork’s power to improve mood, reduce stress, and enhance energy and mental clarity.”

2. When we walk away from a Breathwork session, what is happening inside our bodies? How long does this last/take effect?

“When you walk away from Breathwork your nervous system will feel more regulated. You will feel less stress, the heart will feel more open, and like you “took a load off.” With regular practice, Breathwork can lead to lasting reductions in stress and anxiety, improved mood, and better emotional resilience that extend far beyond each individual session.”

3. What’s the most amazing experience you’ve had with Breathwork?

“The most amazing experience I had felt ‘out of body.’ I literally was outside my body watching myself breathe with this rush of peace that came over me and insights that everything will be ok. I felt so much love for myself and more centered than I have ever felt. I had never felt this safety in my body before and I knew it was something I had to teach people.” 

4. What do you want people to know about Breathwork that might surprise them?

“That it works for everyone. No matter what your experience, as long as you are breathing you are moving energy and you will notice the difference. Each experience is going to be different for everyone. It can be very healing, transformational, and for some, spiritual.”

Check out Jen’s Breathwork classes and Instagram to see how Breathwork can enhance your life!

Additional Resources:

Instagram: @that_breathwork_girl

https://thatbreathworkgirl.com/ Jen’s Homepage Found Here!