Can Simple Breathing Techniques Transform Your Health and Healing Journey?

This article is inspired by the insights and discussions presented in Episode 69 of The Born to Heal Podcast by Dr. Katie Deming, The Conscious Oncologist.

• Click here to listen to the Born to Heal Podcast on Spotify
• Click here to listen to the Born to Heal Podcast on Apple Podcasts

"I've seen it be so helpful for CEOs, doctors, executives, stay-at-home mothers and fathers." - Gwen Dittmar

In a recent Born to Heal podcast episode, I sat down with Gwen Dittmar to explore how breathing techniques can revolutionize our approach to healing.

Gwen's journey from pharmaceutical research to becoming a healer and coach mirrors my own transition from Western medicine to integrative oncology. Her approach combines scientific understanding with practical healing techniques that anyone can use, regardless of their background or profession.

Understanding Breath Work Tools vs. Healing

One of the most valuable insights from our conversation was the distinction between breath work as a daily tool and as a healing modality. While both are important, they serve different purposes in our wellbeing journey.

Simple Daily Breathing Techniques You Can Start Today

Here are three powerful techniques Gwen shared:

1. Basic 4-4 breathing: Breathe in for 4 counts, out for 4 counts

2. Box breathing: Inhale 4, hold 4, exhale 4, hold 4

3. 4-7-8 breathing: Inhale 4, hold 7, exhale 8 (especially helpful for sleep)

The Healing Power of Being Witnessed

"There's something really beautiful and healing that happens when people can find someone like yourself who does have the skills to help them work through this, through breath work, and to be witnessed in the messiness of it." - Dr. Katie Deming

As a healthcare provider, I've seen how crucial it is for patients to feel truly seen and accepted in their healing journey. Gwen's approach creates a safe space for this vulnerability while providing practical tools for transformation.

Beyond Traditional Therapy

"We're not just a brain, we're not just a body, we're not just somatics, we're not just physiological. Right? Human beings, we're all of these components together." - Gwen Dittmar

This holistic understanding of human health resonates deeply with my approach to healing. By addressing both physical and emotional aspects through breath work, we can create more comprehensive healing experiences.

The Role of Shame in Healing

“I really believe that with cancer, shame plays a big part of it. And a lot of what I see is that they wanna do the right things." - Dr. Katie Deming

Through my work with cancer patients, I've observed how shame can block healing progress. Gwen's breathwork techniques offer a gentle yet powerful way to release these emotional barriers.

Taking the Next Step

If you're interested in exploring breath work as part of your healing journey, Gwen offers a monthly membership program providing access to virtual breathwork sessions with a global community.?

She reminds us healing doesn't have to be complicated or painful - sometimes the simplest tools, like our breath, can create the most profound transformations.

Ready to Transform Your Healing Journey?

Listen to my full conversation with Gwen Dittmar on the Born to Heal podcast to discover powerful breathing techniques that can help you reduce stress, process emotions, and tap into your body's natural healing abilities.