Breathwork in Vancouver

Let Go of Stress Through Breath

Our sessions use gentle breathwork to help you process stress, restore balance, and reconnect with your body.

Woman practicing breathwork therapy at home in Vancouver

Most of us don’t breathe to our full capacity. Over time, shallow or restricted breathing can contribute to stress, fatigue, and even chronic health issues — often without us noticing.

Breathwork is a simple, body-based practice that helps release stored tension and support your nervous system. It works by using conscious, connected breathing to calm the body, clear emotional blocks, and bring you back into balance.

At Empower Health, we offer guided breathwork sessions that gently support you in letting go of stress that’s been held in the body. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, chronic pain, or just need space to feel more grounded, breathwork can help you reconnect with your body and feel more present.

Book Your Consultation

Somatic and therapeutic breathwork for emotional healing in Vancouver

Benefits of Breathwork Sessions

Man sitting cross-legged in a medical breathwork practice session

Increases oxygen to your brain and heart and improves the functions of your internal organs;
Aids in detoxification. Up to 70% of toxins are released through deep breathing;
Reduces stress, tension and physical pain in the body;
Releases endorphins to make you happier and access feelings such as gratitude, generosity and joy;
Supports the regulation of everyday breath while strengthening emotional intelligence;
Connects you with deep stillness, peace and bliss;
Helps you to tap into your intuition and better understand our autonomic nervous system responses;

Types of Breathwork We Offer

Cathartic Breathwork

Cathartic breathwork is a more intensive form of breath-based therapy that uses a fast-paced, continuous breathing technique to help bring unresolved emotions and physical tension to the surface. The process is designed to activate the body’s natural ability to release what it’s been holding—emotionally or physically—without needing to analyze or talk through it. Sessions are often supported by music or sound, which helps deepen the experience and encourage emotional expression. People may experience strong sensations or emotional breakthroughs, but always within a safe, guided space. One form of cathartic breathwork we offer is Holotropic™ Breathwork, developed by Stanislav and Christina Grof.

Somatic and Trauma-Informed Breathwork

Somatic breathwork is a gentle, body-centered approach that supports the safe release of trauma and emotional tension stored in the nervous system. Instead of focusing on breath alone, this method combines breathing with body awareness, allowing you to feel and process stuck sensations, emotions, or memories that may have been buried. It’s especially helpful for people dealing with PTSD, chronic pain, or past trauma, and sessions can be adjusted to your level of comfort and need. This approach respects your body’s pace and signals, helping you slowly unwind stress and reconnect with a sense of safety. A form of this work we offer is Reichian™ Breathwork, based on the teachings of Wilhelm Reich, which focuses on releasing muscular and emotional holding patterns.

Breathwork therapist guiding trauma-informed breathwork session

Woman receiving therapeutic breathwork and energy healing in Vancouver

Medical or Therapeutic Breathwork

Medical or Therapeutic Breathwork refers to breath-based techniques used by licensed healthcare professionals to address physical issues related to how we breathe. Many people develop what’s known as “breathing pattern disorders,” where the natural rhythm or depth of breathing is disrupted — often due to stress, injury, poor posture, or chronic tension. Over time, these patterns can contribute to fatigue, anxiety, pain, or reduced physical function.

Practitioners like medical doctors, osteopaths, physiotherapists, and registered massage therapists may work with the breath as part of a broader treatment plan. They often focus on releasing tension in the muscles and fascia (connective tissue) that affect how the lungs and diaphragm move. By restoring more natural, efficient breathing, therapeutic breathwork can help improve oxygen flow, reduce pain, support the nervous system, and aid in overall recovery and wellbeing.

Meet Our Certified Breathwork Therapists

Helen Loshny

MA, RTC

Book an appointment

Why Empower Health for Breathwork?

Multidisciplinary Team of Licensed Professionals

Trust and Experience

Integrative, Science-backed Natural Care

Supporting Your Health Journey at Every Stage

Personalized and Patient-centric Approach

What Our Patients Say

View ALL Google Reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

For any questions or inquiries, feel free to call us or schedule an appointment.

What is Breathwork?

Conscious connected Breathwork is a breathwork technique that uses rapid deeper breathing to help process physical pain, emotional distress and can access altered states of consciousness for health and healing. Often with music and supportive guidance and at times touch from the participating facilitator.

How does it actually work?

The unique breath pattern shifts the balance of oxygen and Co2 in the body, & the blood PH which affects brain chemistry and blood flow. All of these physical state changes allow suppressed or subconscious material to emerge into awareness and be worked on. People often experience regression and catharsis, processing their histories as well as stress stored in the body. This allows increased ability to rewire their typical neurological responses to past stress in a present healing environment. Going beyond the rational mind can lead to deep spiritual and emotional transformation and lasting change.

What can I expect first session?

First session many practitioners will do a brief intake about your goals and intentions, your physical and emotional history and also take time to orient you. Breath is often done on a mat on the floor, sometimes with music with varying levels of engagement from the practitioner over the course of the session. At times you may be encouraged to move your body in certain ways or use your voice to help move energy throughout the body.

Afterwards there will be a debrief between you and the practitioner to observe all of the content that arose and provide some integration and insight into the experience.C

Is breathwork covered in BC?

Not typically, though some people have open categories of health and healing in their private benefit packages where it could be claimed.

Is breathwork covered by insurance in British Columbia?

Breathwork itself isn’t typically covered under MSP or most extended health plans. However, if it’s provided by a licensed practitioner such as a registered massage therapist, naturopath, or clinical counsellor, part of the session may be eligible for reimbursement. It’s best to check your specific plan and how sessions are billed.

How often should I do breathwork for results?

Breathwork is unique in that it can be a single session or a series. Sessions do build upon one another very well and also breathwork can be used in a targeted way alongside many other modes of healing and therapies.