You hear all the craze about breath work and cold plunges, but to experience it yourself truly demonstrates the value and benefit! I've been in healthcare for almost 20yr and from a medical and biological standpoint, it makes sense what breath work and cold plunges/infrared sauna (contrast therapy) can do. I have done multiple modalities of self-care from exercise, sports massage therapy, compression therapy, foam rolling, energy healing, and sound therapy which have all been valuable, but breathwork and cold plunges create an immediate shift in your nervous system to help you reduce inflammation, stress, anxiety and quickly readjust your focus.
I've only taken the signature class which is a guided breathwork class followed by a cold plunge and infrared sauna session. I've taken about 5 classes with the owners Mia and Matt, and I found it to be extremely valuable and have always appreciated the energy of the group and the release I've achieved afterwards.
Mia and Matt guide you through 3 types of breathing exercises:
- Box breathing: traditional yoga-style breathing where you breath in for 4-5 seconds and breath out for 4-5 seconds
- 4-7-8 breathing: breathe in for 4 seconds, hold for 7 seconds, and breathe out for 8 seconds
- holotropic breathing: rapid breath that they refer to as the "mountain climb" where you take 2 breaths in, 1 breath out, or 1 wave-like breath in, and 1 breath out
The holotropic breathing is designed to help you release blocks and facilitate emotional healing, growth, and spiritual exploration. It can be difficult to sustain, and is only done for a short period of time but can cause a "heady" or lightheaded feeling as well as tingling sensation in extremities or other parts of the body. Some may also have other physical responses such as laughing or crying. Depending on the intensity of breathing and duration, every person's experience will vary. They play awesome music that compliments each breathing exercise which really helps you stay focused, especially during the mountain climb :D They also may provide hands-on support, if needed. At one of my session, I was having quite an emotional response, and I appreciated Matt coming to encourage me.
Class is in a beautiful room with sound bowls and a lovely starry sky projected above with blankets, yoga bolsters, eye masks, and essential oils to make you comfortable. Bring your own yoga mat and towel otherwise both can be provided for a small fee.
Pair the breath work with contrast therapy (cold plunge & infrared sauna) after and you're giving your mind, body and nervous system a complete "reset." The cold plunge can definitely be a shock (that's the point :P), but it's well-worth the benefit! Altogether it will give you a feeling of release, relaxation, and reinvigoration. It can also really help with sleep!
Because of the simplicity and guidance that Mia and Matt provide in this class, I've been able to do the breathwork on my own at home, and have the same response. It's definitely not as enjoyable as class since you're in a community and sharing energy with others, but I greatly appreciate having the tools readily available to exercise this at home, if needed.
The front desk staff has always been very friendly, and the studio is always well-kept and clean. I do wish the storage space for personal items was a little easier, but understandable given the setup/area. Parking is on the street but generally it hasn't been an issue, although I'm sure it can depend on the day and time (e.g. farmers market). I have asked other members about the other classes and they always have very positive reviews!
Mia and Matt have created a very sacred and inviting space for you to discover another path to plunge and realign with your soul. Definitely don't miss out on supporting such an amazing, fabulous small business and wonderful community! read more