How to Use SOMA Breathwork to Relieve Stress and Improve Your Health and Performance

It’s been about five years since Advanced Biomechanics Coach Nigel McHollan last joined me on the podcast to talk about bike fit. Certified as a Primal Health Coach, a SOMA Breath Work Meditation Instructor, and Level 4 Strength and Conditioning Coach, Nigel has since developed and deepened his health and wellness practice. Also with us today is Certified Health Coach and SOMA Breathwork Instructor, Kara Lynn Kelly.

On this podcast, Nigel and Kara discuss breathwork and it’s many benefits including stress relief and improved overall health, as well as altered states of consciousness. We compare some of the different types of breathwork to choose from, and also look at some of the beneficial aspects of nasal breathing - yes, even during exercise and sport. Kara also guides us through a short breathwork session right here on the podcast so you can get a sense of it’s calming and centring effects. See how you feel after just a 10-minute session!

I’m excited to announce that Nourish Balance Thrive has partnered with Nigel and Kara to offer a live eight-week Energised Meditation breathwork group program beginning March 4, 2021. Click here to sign up.

Here’s the outline of this interview with Nigel McHollan and Kara Kelly:

[00:00:11] Nigel’s previous appearance on the podcast: Bike fit done right with Nigel McHollan.

[00:00:47] Book: Back mechanic by Stuart McGill.

[00:01:08] Stuart McGill on STEM Talk and interviewed by Greg Potter.

[00:05:00] Soma breathwork.

[00:06:15] Kelly's introduction to breathwork.

[00:09:27] Influence of CO2 on the Default mode network (DMN). Study: Xu, Feng, et al. "The influence of carbon dioxide on brain activity and metabolism in conscious humans." Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow & Metabolism 31.1 (2011): 58-67.

[00:10:15] Anatomy of a breathwork session.

[00:12:30] Biochemistry behind breathwork experiences.

[00:15:12] Comparing different breathwork techniques.

[00:17:42] Setting of intentions.

[00:17:53] Stanislav Grav: Holotropic breathwork.

[00:18:09] Podcast: How to Fix Your Breathing to Improve Your Health, with James Nestor. Book: Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art, by James Nestor.

[00:18:15] Book: The Immortality Key: The Secret History of the Religion with No Name, by Brian C. Muraresku.

[00:18:53] Pranayama vs. Soma; Article: What Is Breathwork? Explanation Of Different Breathing Techniques Vs. Pranayama.

[00:19:19] Niraj Naik, founder of Soma.

[00:20:10] Progressive Muscle Relaxation

[00:20:54] Books by Yogani: Deep Meditation - Pathway to Personal Freedom and Spinal Breathing Pranayama - Journey to Inner Space.

[00:24:44] Joe Dispenza.

[00:25:13] Field Coherence.

[00:26:40] Muscular Bonding.

[00:29:54] Book: The story of the human body by Daniel Lieberman.

[00:30:59] Podcast: Wired to Run: Why Your Brain Needs Exercise, with David Raichlen, PhD.

[00:34:15] Mouth taping.

[00:34:47] Dr. Phil Maffetone.

[00:35:07] Patrick McKeown on nasal breathing. Book: The Oxygen Advantage: The simple, scientifically proven breathing technique that will revolutionise your health and fitness, by Patrick McKeown.

[00:36:04] Bohr effect.

[00:37:37] Sweet Beat App.

[00:39:15] Elite HRV; CorSense.

[00:40:00] Sample breathwork session.

[00:53:22] Do a breath retention time test first thing in the AM.

[00:55:04] Sign up for the 8-week Energised Meditation group program.

[00:55:17] Find Kara on Facebook; Find Nigel on Facebook/Messenger; Nigel’s website.