Breathwork (SRI)

Breathwork is a broad term that encompasses various practices of intentional breathing designed to promote physical, emotional, and mental well-being.

These practices draw from ancient traditions, modern therapeutic techniques, and meditative disciplines.

Network Care

Chiropractic adjustments utilizing Network Spinal (NS)

Breathwork

Shift your energy with Somato Respiratory Integration (SRI)

Sound Therapy

Bring balance to your nervous system with Safe & Sound Protocol (SSP)

Education

Dr Luke has generated a wide range of articles, blog posts, videos, etc.

Discover the Power of Your Breath

Introduction to Breathwork

 
Somato Respiratory Integration (SRI) is a powerful breathwork technique that combines breath, touch, and movement to promote transformation and healing. Developed by Dr. Donald Epstein, SRI is based upon his book The 12 Stages of Healing. Each stage represents a different state of consciousness and somatic-respiratory rhythms that individuals experience during their healing journey. SRI exercises are designed to help reconnect the brain with the body and its natural rhythms, allowing individuals to experience their bodies more fully and shift their state of consciousness. This technique can be especially beneficial for those feeling overwhelmed, helpless, or disconnected from their bodies. SRI only takes a few minutes each day and nearly anyone can easily learn this. This can be a stand-alone exercise, or it can be incorporated with other healing modalities.

The 12 Stages of Healing

Breathwork with Dr. Luke Schmelzle

SRI exercises correspond to the 12 Stages of Healing, starting from Stage 1 (suffering) to Stage 12 (community). Each stage has its own unique breathing pattern and focus.

For example:
Stage 1: This exercise is recommended when an individual feels overwhelmed or fearful of their body. It involves gentle breathing while touching different areas of the chest and abdomen.
Stage 5: This stage is characterized by an empowering experience, combining excitement with a sense of fear. It involves connecting with both the “shadow self” and “light self”.
Stage 7: This stage focuses on the discharge process, where individuals eliminate thoughts and emotions they no longer need. The discharge is viewed as a welcome event, with the individual acting as an observer rather than a victim.

Benefits of SRI

  • SRI exercises have been shown to consistently:
  • Reverse defense physiology and spinal distortion
  • Help dispel fear and encourage trust in the body
  • Improve communication between the brain, body, emotions, and stress responses

Practicing SRI

A typical SRI exercise might involve the following steps:

  • Lie on your back or sit comfortably
  • Place your hands on different areas of your chest and abdomen
  • Breathe slowly and gently, focusing on the area under your hands
  • Repeat the process for different areas of your body
  • If discomfort is felt in one area, focus on a more comfortable area and let the peace spread

SRI and Network Spinal

SRI is often practiced alongside Network Spinal (NS), a gentle chiropractic technique. Both techniques work with the Seasons of Wellbeing: Discover, Transform, Awaken, and Integrate. This combination can help individuals unwind stored tension and trauma, reconnecting the brain and body for a more fulfilling life experience.

Discover the Power of Breathwork

Comparison with Other Breathwork Techniques

 

While SRI is a unique approach to breathwork, it shares some similarities with other techniques. For instance, like cyclic sighing, SRI can involve prolonged exhalations in certain stages. However, SRI’s focus on the 12 Stages of Healing and its integration with body awareness and touch sets it apart from other breathwork practices.

Research has shown that various breathwork techniques, including those with prolonged exhalations like cyclic sighing, can lead to improvements in mood and reductions in respiratory rate. While specific studies on SRI are limited, the general benefits of controlled breathing practices are well-documented, including stress reduction, improved mood, and physiological changes such as reduced respiratory rate and increased heart rate variability.

In conclusion, Somato Respiratory Integration offers a unique approach to breathwork that combines breath, touch, and awareness of the body’s natural rhythms. By working through the 12 Stages of Healing, individuals can potentially achieve greater self-awareness, emotional regulation, and overall well-being.

As with any wellness practice, those interested in exploring SRI should consult with a trained practitioner to ensure proper guidance and maximize the benefits of this transformative technique. Dr. Luke is pleased to teach SRI, and to answer questions about it.

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