Breathwork Method;Goal;Approach;Breath Style;Release;For Who;Safety & Science
NeuroSomatic Breath™;Embodiment, nervous system repatterning, emotional integration;Gentle, titrated, trauma-informed, somatic-based;Multi-layered connected breath in rhythmic waves + intuitive movement;✅ Somatic (trembling, sighs) ✅ Emotional (tears, joy) — body-led, not forced;Beginners, advanced practitioners, therapists;Polyvagal + Somatic Experiencing. Trauma-informed, co-regulation focus
Wim Hof Method;Immunity, resilience, mental strength;Structured, performance-based;Fast mouth breathing + long holds, cold exposure;✅ Adrenaline/ energy ❌ Little emotional release;Biohackers, athletes;Science-backed for physiology ❌ Not trauma- or somatic-aware
Holotropic Breathwork;Altered states, inner exploration;Intense, transpersonal, psychedelic-inspired;Continuous mouth breathing + loud music, long sessions;✅ Catharsis (crying, shaking) ❌ Risk of overwhelm;Spiritual/altered state seekers;Created by Stan Grof ❌ Somatic safety lens missing
Rebirthing / CCB;Emotional healing, inner child, spiritual;Intuitive, expressive, may use affirmations;Circular breath (mouth/nose), varies by school;✅ Emotional catharsis ❌ Trauma may resurface;Personal growth & spiritual seekers;Lineage-dependent ❌ Often lacks somatic tracking
Pranayama (Yoga Breathwork);Energy balance, meditation, discipline;Structured, yogic, spiritual roots;Short, technique-based practices (e.g. Nadi Shodhana);✅ Energetic clarity ❌ No emotional release;Yoga & mindfulness practitioners;Ancient lineage, some HRV studies ❌ Not trauma-focused
DMT Breathing (YouTube-style);Peak states, visual intensity;Fast, unregulated, self-led;Rapid mouth breathing + holds, intense music;✅ Visuals/catharsis ❌ No safety/containment;Curious explorers, peak seekers;❌ No science or safety. Often overstimulating