Surrender to the Power of the Breath

Breathwork is a conscious breathing practice used for stress relief, emotional release, and mental clarity. Through guided breathing techniques, participants access heightened states of awareness, calm the nervous system, and release stored tension. Research from institutions like the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) shows controlled breathing practices can reduce cortisol levels by up to 25% and improve heart rate variability.

Liquid Breathwork is a surrender-based, inward journey that blends activation with deep relaxation. Unlike styles that encourage screaming or cathartic releases (which can distract from going deeper), our approach uses hypnotic guidance while empowering you to follow your own inner knowing. We integrate sound healing and Reiki into every session, creating an immersive, multi-sensory experience. Our founder Ryan McBurney developed this method over 9 years and 284 hours of professional training across SOMA Breath, Somatiq Breathwork, and Rebirthing traditions.

You'll lie down comfortably while your facilitator guides you through a breathing pattern set to immersive music, sound healing, and Reiki energy work. Sessions typically last 60-90 minutes. Most people experience deep relaxation, emotional release, tingling sensations, or vivid imagery. No prior experience is needed. Just bring an open mind, a yoga mat, and a blanket.

We hold weekly group breathwork classes across Arizona in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa, Flagstaff, Prescott, and Tucson. We also offer classes in Lake Tahoe, California. Check our full class schedule for times and locations near you. Can't make it in person? Our online membership includes guided audio sessions you can do from home.

Our Breathwork Teacher Training is a 24-hour facilitator training program designed for coaches, yogis, therapists, and healers who want to add breathwork to their practice. You'll learn to hypnotically guide surrender-based sessions, create immersive experiences, and master the full spectrum of breathwork techniques. Co-taught by Ryan McBurney and Shelby Von Oepen, RN, BSN. Learn more about our training.

Breathwork is generally safe for most people. Our co-instructor Shelby Von Oepen is a Registered Nurse (RN, BSN), ensuring sessions are held to clinical safety standards. However, breathwork is not recommended for people with epilepsy, severe cardiovascular conditions, or those in the second or third trimester of pregnancy. If you have concerns, consult your doctor before attending.

Drop-in classes are $44 in the Phoenix metro area and $33 in Flagstaff, Prescott, Tucson, and Lake Tahoe. Private events, retreats, and corporate sessions are priced separately.

Common breathwork types include holotropic breathwork (developed by Stanislav Grof), somatic breathwork (body-centered release), rebirthing breathwork (circular connected breathing), SOMA Breath (rhythmic pranayama), box breathing (4-4-4-4 pattern used by Navy SEALs), 4-7-8 breathing (relaxation method), and diaphragmatic breathing. Liquid Breathwork is a surrender-based style blending activation with deep relaxation, sound healing, and Reiki.

Breathwork directly regulates the autonomic nervous system. Slow, deep breathing activates the parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) system by stimulating the vagus nerve, lowering cortisol, and reducing heart rate. Activating breathwork temporarily stimulates the sympathetic system to release stored tension, followed by a deep parasympathetic rebound. Studies show breathwork can improve heart rate variability (HRV) by up to 25% and reduce cortisol levels significantly.

For general wellness, breathwork once per week is highly effective. Most beginners notice significant shifts in stress, sleep, and emotional regulation within 3-4 sessions. For deeper healing work, 2-3 sessions per week is ideal. Daily short practices (5-10 minutes of box breathing or diaphragmatic breathing) complement weekly full sessions. Our online membership makes daily breathwork accessible from home.

Yes. Breathwork is one of the most evidence-supported tools for managing anxiety. Controlled breathing activates the vagus nerve and shifts the body out of fight-or-flight mode. A 2023 study in Cell Reports Medicine found breathwork was more effective than mindfulness meditation at reducing anxiety and improving mood. Box breathing, 4-7-8 breathing, and deep diaphragmatic breathing are especially effective for immediate anxiety relief. See our guide to breathwork for anxiety.

No. Breathwork and meditation are related but distinct practices. Meditation typically involves passive observation of thoughts or breath. Breathwork involves active, intentional manipulation of breathing patterns to produce physiological changes. Breathwork often creates faster-acting effects including emotional release, physical sensations, and altered states of awareness. Many practitioners combine both for comprehensive mental wellness. Read our full comparison: breathwork vs. meditation.

Yes. Box breathing, 4-7-8 breathing, diaphragmatic breathing, and coherent breathing are all safe beginner home practices. For deeper activation breathwork, having a trained guide is recommended for your first sessions. Our online membership offers guided audio sessions you can do at home safely. We also offer a free 11-minute guided breathwork audio to get started today.

Most people feel effects within their very first session: relaxation, warmth, tingling, or emotional shifts. Consistent benefits like reduced anxiety, better sleep, and improved emotional regulation typically appear after 3-6 sessions. Deeper transformational work releasing stored tension or emotional patterns usually unfolds over weeks to months of regular practice. Learn what to expect in a first breathwork class.