Preparing for your workshop session
Please Read Carefully…
Please take a moment to read through ahead of your workshop session.
Please bring a yoga mat, 2 blankets and a cushion - think cosy!
Wear comfortable clothes. Loose clothing, no buttons, zips or tight straps and ideally no make-up as it’s important to see your skin tone.
Warm socks. Your body temperature can sometimes drop suddenly - bring some cosy socks to wear.
Drink plenty of water. Or herbal drinks from 48 hours before our session and avoid caffeine and alcohol. Bring a bottle of water for your trip home.
After your session. You might like to arrange a quiet evening. You will be processing and integrating for 48 hours afterwards. It will be beneficial to take it really easy!
Safety Measures. Please read the contraindications below and ensure you are fully aware of them. In any session, if there is any sense of something not feeling right or an instruction that doesn’t resonate, please speak up.
What to expect if you’re new to Breathwork
Nicola works intuitively, responding in the moment to what presents itself. You will have some talking time before and a minimum of one hour of breathwork. The hour consists of staying present, focusing on physical sensations and emotions and being guided through the possible tools of toning; movement; affirmations; touch and whatever in the moment is appropriate to release and allow the breath to fully flow. There will be about 15 minutes at the end to receive guidance and inspiration. You simply need to concentrate on your breath, relax, stay physically present, respond in the moment and experience whatever unfolds.
What might happen with a conscious connected breath?
Physical - tingling sensations, hot/cold temperature shifts. Typically, trauma release presents as the body shaking, juddering, quivering.
Emotions – all may surface, from joy to fear. There maybe a sense of what the emotion/s are about, vision/flashbacks, but not always. They may be pre-verbal.
It is possible to go unconscious, typically on an exhale, then consciousness resumed on an inhale. This is very normal /safe and can even be a blissful experience for some people.
Every session is different, so it is important not to judge good or bad. Integration takes up to 3 days after the session. It is typical to start processing from the time the decision is made to make an appointment for a session or book a workshop.
Contraindications for sessions
Breathwork results in certain specific physiological and psychological changes. The work that we are doing is designed to give you the tools to manage every day stresses and can also unearth deeply held trauma.
As a precaution, the following conditions are contraindicated, please discuss with Nicola and understand your limitations if you have any of the following:
— Pregnancy
— Detached Retina
— Glaucoma
— High Blood Pressure (not controlled with medication)
— Cardiovascular disease including angina, previous heart attack or stroke
— Diagnosis of aneurysm in the brain or abdomen
— Uncontrolled thyroid conditions and diabetes
— Asthma; if the client is asthmatic, ask them to bring their inhaler to the session
— Epilepsy
— Prior diagnosis of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia or previous psychiatric condition
— Hospitalisation for any psychiatric condition or emotional crisis within the last 10 years
— Any other medical, psychiatric or physical conditions which would impair or affect ability to engage in any activities that involve intense physical and/or emotional release