What is (and isn’t) Breath Coaching? 5 Persistent myths about breathwork therapy
Breath coaching or breathwork therapy is becoming increasingly popular among people struggling with stress, burnout, hyperventilation, or sleep problems. Yet, there are still many misconceptions about what breath coaching actually is — and especially what it isn’t.
In this blog post, I’ll walk you through the five most common misunderstandings about breathwork. You’ll discover that breath coaching is more than just a relaxation technique — it’s a profound method to strengthen your nervous system, your body, and your mental resilience.
Not sure yet what your current breathing pattern looks like? Then be sure to read this blog post:
👉 How many breaths do you take per minute and what does that say about your stress level?
1. Breath coaching is just about breathing more slowly
One of the most common misconceptions about breath coaching is that it’s simply about ‘breathing slower.’ In reality, breath coaching is a profound method to restore your natural breathing patterns.
The aim is not only relaxation, but also improving your CO₂ tolerance, activating your vagus nerve, and optimizing oxygen delivery at the cellular level. Healthy breathing has a direct impact on your energy, sleep, stress response, and immune system.
2. Breathwork only works if it’s emotional or dramatic
Some people think that a breathing session is only “effective” if there are tears, deep insights, or strong physical reactions. But just like with meditation, breathwork can sometimes be intense and transformative, and other times gentle and subtle.
Every session serves a different purpose: integration, regulation, release, or simply rest. Breath coaching does not work through the intensity of the experience, but through its impact on your daily functioning.
3. Breathwork is woo-woo or unscientific
While breath therapy is not always part of conventional healthcare, it is well supported by science. Consider:
- the Bohr effect (how CO₂ affects oxygen uptake),
- the role of the vagus nerve in relaxation,
- the BOLT score as a measurement tool for breathing function.
Want to know more? Read: What is the BOLT-score and what does it reveal about your breathing?
👉 Wat is de BOLT-score en wat zegt die over jouw ademhaling?
4. You need to breathe in more oxygen
This is one of the most persistent myths about breathing. Many people actually breathe too much, leading to chronic overbreathing. As a result, your CO₂ levels drop, which hampers oxygen delivery to your cells.
Breathwork doesn’t teach you to breathe more — but to breathe better. By breathing more efficiently, you optimize your metabolism, sleep, and resilience to stress.
5. One session and you’re ‘cured’
Breath coaching is not a quick fix, but a process of awareness, practice, and integration. You work on breaking old patterns and building respiratory capacity and resilience.
Just like exercise, breathwork only has an effect when done regularly and consistently. After all, your breathing reflects your lifestyle, stress levels, and overall health.
What is breathwork coaching really about?
Breathwork coaching is an accessible, natural, and effective method to:
- reduce your stress levels
- regulate your nervous system
- ease sleep problems and overstimulation
- feel better in your body and mind
It’s not a trend or a hype — it’s one of the most powerful ways to reconnect with yourself, your body, and your inner calm.
Curious to discover what breathwork coaching can do for you?
Book a free discovery call or a session.